U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that the American-led mission to secure commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is only temporary, stressing that other countries will eventually need to take over responsibility. His remarks came amid continued tension with Iran, even as Washington insists a fragile ceasefire is still holding.
Speaking alongside General Dan Caine, Hegseth said the U.S. has created a strong security umbrella over the strait to protect international shipping and described it as a “temporary gift” to the global community. He added that this operation is separate from ongoing military actions tied to the wider conflict with Iran.
General Caine reported that more than 22,500 sailors aboard over 1,550 commercial vessels are currently waiting to pass through the strategic waterway. He also said Iranian forces have continued limited attacks since the ceasefire, including strikes on ships and U.S. forces, though not enough to restart full-scale war.
Hegseth insisted the ceasefire remains in effect, while Iranian officials accused the United States of violating it and warned against deeper military involvement. Tehran also said continued instability proves there is no military solution to the crisis.
President Donald Trump downplayed the situation, calling it a “minor skirmish” and claiming Iran poses no serious threat, while avoiding specifics on what would break the ceasefire.
