America has given a big statement amidst the fragile ceasefire between America and Iran. US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth has clearly said that Washington is taking steps to protect merchant ships, but it does not want to move towards any major or direct war. However, he warned that if Iran tried to disrupt ‘Project Freedom’, it would have to face American military power.
What is ‘Project Freedom’?
Hegseth said that ‘Project Freedom’ is a naval mission, which donald trump Was started during the tenure of. Its purpose is to provide safe passage to ships in one of the busiest oil routes in the world. He said that this operation is limited and it does not require the US military to enter Iran’s airspace or maritime border.
We don’t want a fight, but we will respond – Hegseth
“We don’t want a fight,” Hegseth said. Iran says that it controls this strait, but it is not so. He described Iran as the main aggressor in this situation.
‘Defensive and temporary missions’
The Pentagon chief described ‘Project Freedom’ as a completely defensive and limited-duration mission. He said that its sole purpose is to protect innocent merchant ships from Iranian aggression. He also said that under this mission, so far two American ships have passed through this route safely, while some ships had to return due to Iran’s port restrictions.
Ceasefire not over, separate operation: America
Hegseth also clarified that this operation does not signal the end of the ongoing ceasefire between America and Iran. He said, ‘Ceasefire has not ended, it is a separate and independent mission.’ He also warned Iran to take its steps carefully so that the situation does not worsen further.
US Army claims: Iran is attacking
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Kane, said that Iran has attacked merchant ships and American forces several times in recent weeks. He alleged that Iran is ‘weaponizing the global supply chain’ and trying to put the entire world economy under pressure.
Attack statistics and current situation
According to America, after the ceasefire, Iran has fired on merchant ships 9 times and captured 2 container ships. Apart from this, there have been more than 10 attacks on American forces. However, the army has described it as ‘low level interference’ and said that the decision on a major war will depend on the political leadership.