U.S. Department of War·May 5, 2026, 2:48 PM ET

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine Hold a Press Briefing

UAE

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced "Project Freedom," a separate defensive operation distinct from Operation Epic Fury, to restart the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
The mission aims to protect innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression while explicitly avoiding entry into Iranian waters or airspace.
Two U.S. commercial ships & American destroyers have already safely transited the strait, demonstrating the lane is clear & encouraging hundreds of other global vessels to follow.
A defensive "red, white & blue dome" is established over the strait, featuring 24/7 overwatch by 100+ fighter jets, destroyers, drones, & helicopters.
Iran's blockade remains in full effect against Iranian vessels, with six ships attempting to run the blockade out of Iranian ports turned around upon Project Freedom's commencement.
CENTCOM reports that 22,500 mariners on 1,550+ commercial vessels remain trapped in the Arabian Gulf due to Iran's obstruction of this vital route carrying 20% of global oil.
Since the ceasefire announcement, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times, seized two container ships, & attacked U.S. forces more than ten times below the threshold of major combat.
General Dan Caine highlighted the role of the 82nd Airborne Division in synchronizing land, air, space, sea, & cyber forces using AI-enabled networks to support the operation.
Secretary Hegseth confirmed the ceasefire is not over & emphasized that any threat from Iranian small boats or coastal cruise missiles will be met with immediate kinetic force.
The U.S. is urging partner nations, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, & European allies, to eventually assume responsibility for the strait's security after the temporary U.S. mission.
Secretary Hegseth stated the President retains the option to restart major combat operations if the ceasefire breaks down, though the current focus is on securing navigation rights.
Intelligence regarding Iran's nuclear timeline remains under review, but Operation Midnight Hammer is credited with setting back their program while dismantling conventional missile capabilities.
Secretary Hegseth clarified that President Trump maintains full control over strategy, rejecting the premise that Israel or other allies dictate U.S. military actions.
The operation is described as temporary & humanitarian, designed to prevent global energy shortages & protect the livelihoods of sailors from dozens of nations.