The United States has made clear it does not seek confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz, but warned that any Iranian attempt to disrupt maritime traffic would trigger a powerful response.
Speaking on Tuesday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth emphasized that while Washington is not pursuing conflict, it will not tolerate threats to international shipping routes.
“Iran cannot be allowed to block the passage of innocent nations and their goods through this vital international waterway,” he said.
Hegseth further cautioned that any attack on American forces or commercial vessels would be met with “overwhelming and devastating” military action.
