Hegseth Asserts Cease-Fire Remains Active Despite Iranian Strikes in Hormuz Strait

(SeaPRwire) –   U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that the truce between the United States and Iran is still active, even though new attacks have occurred in the disputed Strait of Hormuz, raising worries about potential escalation.

During a press briefing at the Pentagon, Hegseth informed reporters that hostilities had not resumed but emphasized that the fate of the cease-fire depends on President Donald Trump’s decisions moving forward.

“At this time, the cease-fire is still in place, but we will be monitoring the situation very closely,” he said.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine echoed a similar sentiment, noting that recent attacks did not meet the threshold needed to restart major combat operations.

“Since the cease-fire was declared, Iran has launched attacks on commercial vessels nine times and taken control of two container ships, while also attacking U.S. forces more than 10 times. However, these actions have not reached the level required to resume large-scale military operations,” he explained.

The remarks followed heightened tensions in the Strait after President Trump announced “Project Freedom” on Sunday, aiming to facilitate the passage of commercial ships stranded in the waterway—a critical route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes before conflicts arise.

“If any interference occurs during this humanitarian effort, such actions will unfortunately need to be addressed forcefully,” Trump warned.

U.S. targets Iranian vessels in the Strait

Hegseth confirmed on Tuesday that two commercial ships successfully passed through the Strait and described Iran as the “clear aggressor,” adding that the U.S. had attacked six Iranian vessels.

“We know the Iranians are embarrassed by this outcome. They claimed they controlled the Strait, but clearly they do not,” he remarked.

Hegseth made these comments following a new warning from Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, an influential figure in Tehran, who asserted that a “new equation” for controlling the Strait of Hormuz was emerging.

“The safety of shipping and energy transit has been compromised by the United States and its allies due to their violation of the cease-fire and imposition of a blockade; naturally, their negative influence will diminish,” Ghalibaf declared.

Ghalibaf cited the continuation of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports as the primary cause behind this shift and issued a subtle threat.

“We understand fully that maintaining the current status quo is unacceptable for America; and yet, we have barely begun,” he added.

Iranian officials responded to the U.S.-led mission to reopen the Strait, officially launched by President Trump on Monday, by cautioning commercial vessels against transiting without coordination with Iran’s military, which has effectively controlled the waterway since hostilities commenced.

“We warn that any foreign armed forces—particularly the invading American army—will face attack if they attempt to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz,” Iranian military official Ali Abdollahi told state media.

Monday saw a day filled with conflicting claims: Tehran claimed it struck an American vessel, a claim denied by the Pentagon, and disputed reports that two U.S.-flagged merchant ships had passed through the Strait.

Since then, a South Korean cargo ship reportedly suffered an explosion and caught fire near the Strait. Trump swiftly blamed Iran and urged South Korea to join the U.S.-led maritime operation.

“Iran has fired at unrelated nations regarding vessel movement and Project Freedom, including a South Korean cargo ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to join the mission!” Trump said on Monday.

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated on Tuesday that authorities were working to ensure the safe return of the crew, though no party was named as responsible.

“We will carefully explore all possible measures to guarantee the safe return of our vessel and crew,” he affirmed.

South Korean officials are reportedly weighing whether to participate in Trump’s proposed maritime initiative in the Strait.

Since the blockade began, the U.S. has forced 51 commercial vessels to turn back, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday.

UAE faces fresh wave of attacks as U.S.-Iran peace talks stall

In addition to events within the Strait, new attacks occurred in the Gulf region. The UAE’s Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 15 missiles and four drones launched by Iran on Monday. Fujairah authorities confirmed that one drone triggered a fire at a significant oil facility, resulting in injuries among three Indian nationals.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also noted two cargo ships burning off the coast of the UAE.

This marks the first direct impact on the UAE, a key U.S. ally, since the cease-fire began—after earlier strikes occurred during the war’s initial phase.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the attacks on Tuesday as “unacceptable,” stressing that uninterrupted navigation through the Strait is “essential for long-term regional peace, stability, and global energy security.”

Tehran denied targeting the UAE, instead blaming the U.S. presence in the Strait. An Iranian military spokesperson stated, “The Islamic Republic had no intention to attack the aforementioned oil facilities; what happened stemmed from U.S. military interventionism designed to create illegal access for ships through forbidden routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military must be held accountable for this.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the developments in the Strait as further proof that “there is no military solution to a political crisis.”

“As negotiations progress thanks to Pakistan’s mediation, the U.S. should avoid being pulled into a trap by hostile actors. So too should the UAE,” he said on Monday.

Iranian officials indicated they are reviewing the U.S. response, although Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei noted on Monday that shifting demands have complicated diplomatic efforts.

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains a top priority for Trump, as its continued closure drives up global energy prices and deepens economic instability.