US Intercepts Six Ships Trying To Run American Blockade Of Strait of Hormuz

Six ships attempting to break the American blockade of Iranian ports were intercepted and turned back as the United States launched "Project Freedom" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Tuesday. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said, "In fact, six ships tried to run the blockade out of Iranian ports as Project Freedom commenced, and they were all turned around." The operation follows President Donald Trump's announcement Sunday that the U.S. would act to help global commercial vessels exit the strait amid ongoing regional tensions.

The blockade and new security measures come as more than 1,500 commercial ships and over 22,000 mariners remain trapped in the Gulf, unable to transit due to Iran's earlier restrictions. The U.S. military has deployed guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and thousands of service members to establish what Hegseth described as a "red, white and blue dome" of protection for shipping. He emphasized that Project Freedom is "defensive in nature, focused in scope and temporary in duration, with one mission: protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression."

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine confirmed that U.S. Central Command has set up an "enhanced security area" south of the strait, relying on American naval and air assets to help prevent further Iranian attacks on civilian ships. He noted that, so far, only two U.S.-flagged merchant ships have successfully crossed the strait using the new American-guided southern route through Omani territorial waters.

The operation has increased international tensions, with Iran calling the U.S. actions a violation of a fragile ceasefire and warning that foreign ships must coordinate with Iranian forces to ensure their safety. Iranian officials have threatened retaliation against what they consider unauthorized attempts to transit the strait and have disputed American claims of destroying Iranian boats. Meanwhile, shipping companies and foreign governments are cautiously watching the situation, as the U.S. effort aims to coordinate safe passage for stranded ships but does not provide direct military escorts for all vessels.