US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that the Strait of Hormuz remains a global maritime passage and no country, including Iran, can be allowed to restrict or tax international shipping.
He made the remarks while addressing regional maritime security concerns involving US naval presence and Iranian restrictions.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions over navigation rights in one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States has no intention of creating barriers for any country except Iran in the Strait of Hormuz situation.
He said US naval forces are already present in the region and there is no requirement to enter Iranian territorial waters to ensure maritime security.
According to him, the Strait of Hormuz is a “global passageway” and must remain open for international trade without restrictions or taxation by any single country.
Claims of blockade
Hegseth stated that an Iranian naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and pressure around Iranian ports would continue.
He also claimed that Iran had violated the blockade conditions, leading to six vessels departing from Iranian routes being sent back.
He added that US forces, supported by hundreds of ships in the wider region, are maintaining continuous surveillance over maritime activity.
“International extortion” allegations
The US Defence Secretary described Iran’s alleged restrictions on maritime traffic as “international extortion,” calling it unacceptable for global trade stability.
He stressed that Washington is in constant communication with shipping companies and insurance firms affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to him, these efforts aim to help commercial vessels safely navigate or exit the area amid ongoing tensions.
Hegseth also said that the US “Freedom Project” is a defensive initiative and not intended to escalate conflict.
He maintained that the United States does not seek confrontation and wants to avoid direct military engagement in the region.
At the same time, he claimed that the risk to the Strait of Hormuz has been reduced due to US maritime presence and monitoring.
The Defence Secretary said that two US commercial vessels successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz recently without any disruption.
He suggested this indicated that maritime routes remain open and that Iran had failed to block transit as intended.
Hegseth further claimed that Iran was “embarrassed” by its inability to prevent these movements.
