The US secretary of state has warned that America would respond to any Iranian attacks with “lethal efficiency”, as he accused Tehran of “holding the whole world hostage” in the Strait of Hormuz.
With the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East coming under further strain, Marco Rubio condemned Iran for blockading the key shipping route.
“If no shots are fired at these ships, no shots are fired at us, [then] we're not firing shots. But if we're fired on, we will respond, and we will respond with lethal efficiency,” he told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.
Earlier, defence secretary Pete Hegseth said that the ceasefire between the US and Iran was “not over” and claimed that America was “not looking for a fight” in the Strait of Hormuz.
It comes as the UAE’s defence ministry said its air defences were dealing with missile and drone attacks from Tehran.
Iran has denied any attack, claiming that it has not carried out any missile or drone operations against the UAE in recent days.
Key Points
- US will respond to Iran with 'lethal efficiency'
- Project Freedom is being paused, says Trump
- Cargo vessel struck by projectile at Strait of Hormuz, British maritime authority says
- Ceasefire is not over, says Hegseth
- UAE 'dealing with missiles and drone attacks from Iran'
Rubio calls Hormuz resolution test for UN, urges against vetoes
00:30 , Harriette BoucherMarco Rubio called a US-proposed UN resolution demanding Iran stop attacks and laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz a test of the utility of the United Nations and urged China and Russia not to repeat vetoes.
UN Security Council members began closed talks on Tuesday on a text the US drafted with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, which, if it were to pass, could lead to sanctions against Iran, and potentially authorise force, if Tehran fails to halt attacks and threats to commercial shipping.
Fresh exchanges of fire on Monday underscored the stakes as the US and Iran struggle for control of the narrow waterway, a vital artery for global energy and trade, shaking a fragile four-week-old truce and reinforcing rival maritime blockades.
A previous Bahraini resolution that was backed by the United States and appeared to open a path to legitimise US military action against Iran failed last month after Russia and China exercised their vetoes in the 15-member Security Council.
The new draft avoids explicit language authorising force while still operating under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, which allows the Security Council to impose measures ranging from sanctions to military action.
“Everyone wouldn't want to see this vetoed again, and we've made some slight adjustments to the language,” Rubio told reporters at a White House news briefing, while adding: “I don't know if it will avoid a veto or not.”
“I think it's a real test to the U.N. ... as something that functions,” he added.
Trump pauses Project Freedom one day after its announcement
00:02 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has announced he is pausing the US’s new Project Freedom, an operation that was only announced by his administration on Monday.
He said that while the blockade of Iranian ports will remain in “full force”, the operation seeking to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, will be “paused for a short period of time” to see if an agreement can be reached.
In a post on Truth Social, the US president wrote: “Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.
US commercial ships that transited Strait of Hormuz had military security abroad
00:00 , Harriette BoucherTwo US commercial ships that crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday had military security teams on board while they were transiting, according to US officials.
Both ships were targeted with missiles, drones and armed small boats, which were intercepted by the US military.
According to the NBC, the presence of military security teams was a “prudent security measure,” one of the US officials said.
“The US forces provided a protective security bubble for the transiting commercial vessels that included multiple defensive layers and coverage from warships, aircraft, and highly trained personnel," said Captain Tim Hawkins, public affairs director for US Central Command.
“US military support to Project Freedom is ongoing.”
UAE president receives calls from leaders including Israeli PM Netanyahu condemning Iranian attacks, state news agency says
23:40 , Harriette BoucherUAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received calls from regional leaders, including Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning what they described as Iranian attacks on civilians and civilian facilities in the UAE, the state news agency WAM said on Wednesday.
The leaders “affirmed their countries' solidarity with the UAE and support for measures it takes to safeguard its security and stability and ensure the safety of its citizens," WAM added.
Rubio says US has achieved objectives of Iran operation
23:35 , Harriette BoucherMarco Rubio argued on Tuesday that the United States has achieved its objectives in its military campaign against Iran, despite not yet securing Tehran's enriched uranium, and that the effort to ensure safe passage for oil transit in the Strait of Hormuz is a separate, smaller, defensive operation.
The US secretary of state’s comments appeared aimed at blunting criticism from members of Congress who argue that President Donald Trump has effectively violated provisions of the War Powers Resolution, a 1973 law that allows the president 60 days to wage military action before ending it.
“The Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation. I'm not going to, you know - we're not cheering for an additional situation to occur. We would prefer the path of peace. What the president would prefer is a deal,” Rubio said.
He said the new operation aimed at opening the Strait of Hormuz, known as Project Freedom, is smaller in scale and distinct from the original combat plan.
Mr Rubio described it as a defensive operation, saying the United States will not engage militarily “unless we're shot at.”
US repelled several threats in Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday
23:14 , Harriette BoucherThe US repelled various threats in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday as it attempted to reopen the global shipping route, a British maritime authority has said.
In a statement on Tuesday night, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency wrote: “US naval units transiting the Strait of Hormuz repelled various threats.
“These incidents highlight an elevated risk environment for commercial shipping in the area.”
Earlier, the group reported that a cargo vessel had been struck by an unknown projectile within the strait.
It said the environmental impact from the incident was unknown.
Captain of stranded vessel in Hormuz says there have been 'devastating and frightening' moments
22:50 , Harriette BoucherThe captain of a stranded vessel in the Strait of Hormuz said his crew was contending with “mental not material pressure” as their vessel is assailed by "hundreds" of missiles and the sound of explosions.
Captain Raman Kapoor told the BBC: “All of a sudden we found ourselves in the war zone. We have been holding up pretty well every since.
“In the month of March, we have witnessed various missiles and explosions around our ship, and sometimes we have witnessed hundreds of missiles flying over our heads in a span of 30 to 40 minutes.
“That was a very devastating and frightening moment for all of us,” he said.
Mr Kapoor told the broadcaster that the crew had various watchkeepers who were on the lookout for missiles and drones.
“We have been very lucky that we have received sufficient water supplies and food supplies from our company.
“We are in regular touch with our families and of course family members are concerned about our safety.”
Marco Rubio defends Trump’s false claim that Pope Leo wants Iran to have a nuke ahead of meeting with pontiff
22:23 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Alex Woodward reports:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that his upcoming trip to the Vatican is an attempt to smooth over tensions with Donald Trump’s administration after the president lashed out at Pope Leo XIV and depicted himself as a Christ-like figure in a widely condemned social media post.
But Rubio appeared to echo the president’s baseless allegations that Pope Leo supports Iran building a nuclear arsenal as the U.S. war with Iran stretches into a ninth week under a tenuous ceasefire.
Asked whether he agrees with the president’s recent claim that the Pope’s urgent pleas for peace are endangering Catholics, Rubio told reporters at the White House that the statement is “not an accurate description of what he said.”
“I think what the president basically said is Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon because they would use it in places where there’s a lot of Catholics and Christians and others, for that matter,” Rubio said Tuesday.
“I think the president — without trying to speak for him — but I think I can characterize it this way. He doesn’t understand why anybody — leave aside the Pope — the president, and I, for that matter, I think most people, I cannot understand why anyone would think that it's a good idea for Iran to ever have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Marco Rubio defends Trump’s false claim that Pope Leo wants Iran to have a nuke
Rubio appears to defend Trump's false claim that Pope wants Iran to have a nuke
22:01 , Harriette BoucherUS trying to reopen Strait of Hormuz as 'favour to world'
21:43 , Harriette BoucherThe US is trying to open the Strait of Hormuz as a “favour to the world”, Marco Rubio has stated.
He said that the ships stranded in the Gulf were holding essential goods for people in other countries.
“It's their ships that are stranded, not ours,” he added.
“We’re the only ones that can project power in that part of the world”.
Cargo vessel struck by projectile at Strait of Hormuz, British maritime authority says
21:21 , Harriette BoucherA cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile within the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Tuesday.
The British maritime authority said the environmental impact from the incident was unknown.
A statement said: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident within the Strait of Hormuz.
“A verified source reported a cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile. Environmental impact is unknown at time of report.
“Vessels are advised to report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, whilst authorities investigate.”
Rubio says Israel-Lebanon peace deal is achievable but Hezbollah is a problem
21:17 , Harriette BoucherMarco Rubio has said a peace deal between Israel and Lebanon was achievable, but that Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was a problem.
The US secretary of state said “what everybody wants to see is you have a Lebanese government with the capability to go after Hezbollah and take the Hezbollah part.”
Israel and Hezbollah group have continued to trade blows despite a ceasefire that has been in place since 17 April.
Rubio says adjustments made to UN Hormuz resolution in bid to avoid veto
21:04 , Harriette BoucherMarco Rubio said the US had made some adjustments to a draft UN resolution on the Strait of Hormuz to try and avoid vetoes by China and Russia.
The resolution threatens Iran with sanctions or other measures if it doesn’t halt attacks on ships in Hormuz, stop imposing “illegal tolls,” and disclose the placement of all mines to allow freedom of navigation.
It also demands that Iran “immediately participate in and enable” United Nations efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor in the strait to enable the delivery of vital aid, fertiliser and other goods.
‘Insane in the brain’: Marco Rubio quotes Cypress Hill hip-hop classic to describe Iran leaders
20:48 , Harriette Boucher
‘Insane in the brain’: Marco Rubio quotes Cypress Hill to describe Iran leaders
'Iran is holding the whole world hostage in Hormuz'
20:40 , Harriette BoucherMarco Rubio has said Iran is “holding the whole world hostage” in the Strait of Hormuz, as he warned that the country could do “whatever they wanted” if they had a nuclear weapon.
“Sailors on commercial ships who are gonna stave to death out there — they don’t care. … What do you think they’d do with a nuclear weapon?
“A nuclear-armed Iran could do whatever the hell they wanted with the straits, and there is nothing anyone could do about it.
“If Iran had a nuclear weapon and they decided to close the strait and make our gas prices like $9 a gallon or $8 a gallon, we wouldn’t be able to do anything about, because they have a nuclear weapon.”
US will respond to Iran with 'lethal efficiency'
20:32 , Harriette BoucherThe US will respond to Iran with “lethal efficiency” if shots are fired, the secretary of state had stated.
Mr Rubio said: “The US military is deploying the necessary assets to extend this defensive umbrella over commercial shipping.
“As I said already, this is a defensive operation. I want to reiterate that point, this is important to understand.
“If no shots are fired at these ships, no shots are fired at us, we're not firing shots, but if we're fired on we will respond, and we will respond with lethal efficiency.”
Rubio: Iran will not get the last say
20:27 , Harriette BoucherThe US “holds all the cards” and Iran will not get “the last say”, Marco Rubio has said.
Speaking from the White House, the secretary of state told reporters: “The United States of America holds all the cards. There is no scenario here in which, if they decide to join a ladder of escalation, they wind up getting the last say.
“The time has come for Iran to make a sensible choice,” he said, adding: “They're insane in the brain.
“We have to have a diplomatic solution that is very clear about the topics that they are willing to negotiate on and the extent and the concessions are willing to make at the front end in order to make those talks worthwhile.”
'Iranian mines in Hormuz breaching international law'
20:23 , Harriette BoucherMarco Rubio has said international law does not permit laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
“There is no international law that allows you to say, 'I'm going to put mines in an international body of water and I'm going to blow up ships that don't listen to us and try to go through.' That's what Iran is doing. This is a criminal act, and someone needs to do something about it. Something needs to be done,” he said.
At least 10 civilian sailors have died in Strait of Hormuz, says Rubio
20:19 , Harriette BoucherUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has claimed at least 10 civilian sailors have died in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the goal of Project Freedom was to rescue the nearly 23,000 citizens from 87 different countries trapped inside the Gulf.
“For more than two months, innocent sailors and commercial crew members have been stranded out at sea.
“They’re isolated, they’re starving, they’re vulnerable and at least 10 sailors have already died.”
White House press briefing begins
20:14 , Harriette BoucherMarco Rubio has kicked off his press briefing at the White House, in which he will be discuss the Trump administration's Project Freedom.
Editorial: Trump can’t undo the oil stranglehold created by the US
20:05 , Harriette BoucherRegardless of the president’s latest effort to break Iran’s blockade, freedom of movement won’t be returning to the Strait of Hormuz any time soon:
Trump’s Project Freedom won’t undo an oil stranglehold created by the US
Starmer warns Iran’s attempts to destabilise British society ‘will not be tolerated’
19:51 , Harriette BoucherWhite House warned Iran of Project Freedom in private message - report
19:30 , Harriette BoucherA high-level Trump administration official informed Iran of the impending "Project Freedom" before it was implemented and warned the country not to interfere, according to a US official.
According to Axios, the warning came on Sunday, when private messages were exchanged between Washington and Tehran in an attempt to prevent a potential escalation.
Since the warning, there have been several clashes in the key shipping route.
Iran claims it has not carried out attacks against the UAE in recent days
19:20 , Dan HaygarthIran's Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command said on Tuesday evening it has not carried out attacks against the United Arab Emirates in recent days, but warned of a "crushing response" if any action is carried out by the Gulf country against Iran.
The UAE was subject to a second day of what it said were missile and drone attacks from Iran after four weeks of relative calm since the United States announced a ceasefire.
Middle East ceasefire on the brink as Iran strikes UAE and warns ‘we’re just getting started’
19:10 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s James C. Reynolds reports:
The fragile ceasefire in the Middle East was at risk of complete collapse Tuesday after attacks on the UAE and exchanges of fire in the Gulf.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted the truce was “not over”, despite the latest drone and missile strikes in the United Arab Emirates, and clashes in the key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz.
But Tehran warned “we are just getting started” amid fears the United States is unable to resolve the conflict it began alongside Israel more than two months ago.
“They are very proud ... [but] they should wave the white flag of surrender,” Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, playing down Iran’s attacks as “games” and insisting that the US has “total control” of the situation.
The escalating tensions come after Trump launched ‘Project Freedom’ on Monday, an effort to guide “innocent bystander” ships through Hormuzdespite Iran claiming control of the waterway.
Middle East ceasefire on brink as Iran strikes UAE: ‘We’re just getting started’
Smoke rises over UAE's Fujairah oil zone after Iran attack
18:50 , Harriette BoucherHegseth and Caine pressed on reports of ‘kamikaze dolphins’ in Iran waters: ‘Like sharks with laser beams?’
18:30 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent's White House Correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:
A Pentagon briefing on Iran Tuesday took a bizarre turn when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was forced to deny a claim that Iran has trained marine dolphins to conduct suicide attacks against U.S. forces and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Pentagon alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Dan Caine, Hegseth was asked about “reports of kamikaze dolphins” that have appeared in some news outlets after Iran claimed it could use previously unused weapons in the two-month-old conflict. The BBC reported in 2000 that Tehran once purchased dolphins that had been trained for military operations.
Caine at first looked incredulous and said, “I haven’t heard the kamikaze dolphins thing” before joking, ‘You mean like sharks with laser beams?” a reference to the 1997 film Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, in which Mike Myers’ character Dr. Evil complains that he could not acquire “sharks with frickin’ laser beams on their heads” and was forced to settle for laser-equipped “mutant sea bass.”
Hegseth then fielded the question, which appeared to emanate from an earlier Wall Street Journal report on Iran grasping for ways to break the Trump blockade of the strait.
“I can’t confirm or deny whether we have kamikaze dolphins, but I can confirm they [Iran] don’t,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth and Caine pressed on ‘kamikaze dolphins’ in Iran waters report
IRGC tells vessels to only transit Hormuz via authorised routes
18:19 , Harriette BoucherIran has issued a renewed warning to ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, saying that any vessel that attempts to transit routes it has not authorised will face a “decisive response”.
In a statement published by Iranian media, the IRGC said: “We warn all vessels intending to transit the strait: the only safe route to pass through the Strait of Hormuz is the corridor previously announced by the Iranian Navy.
“Any diversion of vessels to other routes is unsafe and will face a decisive response from the IRGC Navy.”
Trump gives graphic description of Iran killing protesters surrounded by children in Oval Office
18:08 , Harriette BoucherTrump describes Iran war horrors in Oval Office full of kids: ‘Right between the eyes’
17:48 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Washington Correspondent Josh Bowden reports:
President Donald Trump described Iranian protesters being shot “between the eyes” by snipers and dying en masse as he subjected a room full of White House guests including children to a rant about the Iran war on Tuesday.
Trump gave the group of children and other White House guests a stark and somewhat gory look into global politics on Tuesday as he held them captive in the Oval Office while he took questions from the press on the Iran war and other topics. He then followed it up by launching into a Q&A session with the media, leaving his guests standing awkwardly by for the second time in two months as he rambled on about unrelated issues.
In one surreal moment the president was asked by a reporter — with a young child standing directly beside him — whether he believed Iranian protesters could topple their government if armed by the U.S., and the president responded by describing the brutal massacre of protesters, with detail, to the press and his assembled visitors.
“They don’t have any guns. You can have 200,000 people protesting and have five or six sick people with guns, and when they start shooting them right between the eyes, and you see a guy fall, and another one fall, and you have no guns.” Trump said. “They killed 42,000 people last month. 42,000 unarmed protesters.”
He didn’t end there, reaching back to the protests after the killing of a 22-year-old Iranian woman in the custody of Iran’s religious police in 2022 and 2023 and describing again how snipers were allegedly deployed to kill unarmed protesters, though the president erroneously described it as having occurred “last year”.
Explaining how the massive throngs of protesters, including women, took to the streets after Amini’s killing, Trump said: “Everyone thought that was the end of Iran.”
“And then, suddenly, a woman dropped dead with a bullet right there. Always right there,” the president said, pointing to the space between his eyes.
Trump describes Iran war horrors in Oval Office full of kids
Higher oil prices are a 'small price to pay' to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon
17:36 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has downplayed the impacts of rising oil prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is a “small price to pay” to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons.
He suggested that the price of oil had not risen as much as he had anticipated.
“I also thought oil would go up to $200, $250, maybe $300, and I know it will be short-term.
“I look today, it’s like at $102 and that’s a very small price to pay for getting rid of a nuclear weapon from people that are really mentally deranged.”
He said the US was making “tremendous deals” with South Korea and Japan in order to open the Strait of Hormuz.
The president also likened the US blockade of Iranian ports in the region to “a piece of steel.
“Nobody's going to challenge the blockade and I think it's working out very well.”
Asked about Iran’s “crashing” economy, he said: “I hope it fails.
“Their currency is worthless. Their inflation is probably 150%. They aren't paying their soldiers. They can't pay their soldiers. Their money is worthless.”
Trump says Iran wants to make deal
17:11 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has said Iran wants to make a deal and “should wave the white flag of surrender.”
“What I don’t like about Iran is that they’ll talk to me with such great respect and then they’ll go on television and say ‘we did not speak to the president’. They play games, but let me just tell you, they want to make a deal.
“And who wouldn't, when your military is totally gone?” he said.
Iran knows what to do to avoid breaching ceasefire, says Trump
17:01 , Harriette BoucherIran knows what to do to ensure it does not breach its fragile ceasefire with the US, Donald Trump has said.
At an unrelated event at the Oval Office on Tuesday, the US president was asked what Iran would have to do to constitute a violation of the ceasefire.
“You’ll find out, because I’ll let you know,” he told reporters.
"They know what to do, and they know what not to do, more importantly.
He added: “They respect us. They didn’t use to respect us, but they respect us more than we’ve ever been respected.”
Earlier today, top US General Dan Caine told reporters that Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz have so far not met the threshold that would require the US to restart combat operations.
Trump: Iran stands no chance and never did
16:43 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has claimed that Iran has “no chance” and “never did” as he boasted about wiping out the country’s military capabilities.
Speaking at an unrelated proclamation signing event at the Oval Office on Tuesday, the US president said: “Iran has no chance. They never did. They know it. They express it to me when I talk to them.
“They have no Navy, totally wiped out. They have no air force, totally wiped out. They have no anti-aircraft capability, totally wiped out. No radar. They have no leaders.
The president, who was surrounded by young children as he signed a memorandum bringing back a school-based fitness program, said: “We can’t let Iran have a nuclear weapon.
“You might be too young for this,” he told the children, adding: “I don’t know...they probably know better than most people.”
He also claimed that Iran would have had a nuclear weapon within two weeks if it weren’t for America’s invasion.
“Maybe we wouldn’t all be here right now,” he said. “I can tell you the Middle East would have been gone. Israel would have been gone.
“These are sick people and we’re not going to let lunatics have a nuclear weapon. The power of a nuclear weapon is something I don't even want to talk about, but it's not going to happen, and we have beaten them badly.”
US has intercepted 51 vessels as part of its blockade on Iranian ports
16:18 , Harriette BoucherAmerica has intercepted more than 50 ships as part of its blockade on Iranian ports.
An update from the US Central Command (Centcom) said: “As of today, 51 vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port in order to stop commercial ships from entering or leaving Iran.”
Zelensky offers drone deal to Bahrain
15:55 , Harriette BoucherVolodymyr Zelensky has proposed a drone deal with Bahrain during a meeting with the country’s king Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
“Our country is facing similar terrorist strikes almost every day, and our people have relevant experience in full-scale defense.
“Ukraine is ready to share this security expertise with Bahrain and help strengthen the protection of life. I proposed signing a Drone Deal and scaling up cooperation with Bahrain, and we agreed that our teams will work out the details.”
The Ukrainian president has returned to the Middle East after a trip in March, in which he offered support to several countries facing drone threats from Iran.
Why Trump’s Project Freedom in Strait of Hormuz could backfire
15:30 , James ReynoldsThe fragile ceasefire agreement in the Middle East was on the brink of collapse on Monday as the United States and Iran wrestled for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
In an attempt to break the deadlock in the waterway, Donald Trump launched an audacious bid to reopen the vital thoroughfare with the might of the US Navy, which he dubbed “Project Freedom” in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.
But less than 24 hours later, several merchant ships in the Gulf reported explosions or fires, an oil port in the UAE was set ablaze by Iranian missiles and the US said it had destroyed seven small Iranian boats in order for two ships to pass with a US escort.
What is Project Freedom? Experts warn Trump’s plan in Hormuz could backfire
UAE 'dealing with missiles and drone attacks from Iran'
15:20 , James ReynoldsThe UAE’s defence ministry says air defences are dealing with missiles and drone attacks coming from Iran.
In full: Hegseth claims Strait of Hormuz actions are ‘separate and distinct’ from Iran war
15:00 , James ReynoldsDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday claimed the U.S. operation to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is a “separate and distinct” one from the more than two-month-old war against Iran launched by President Donald Trump as he warned Tehran against attacking any American or international commercial traffic transiting the key waterway.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Pentagon alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Dan Caine, Hegseth said the mission that has been dubbed “Project Freedom” is meant to “restart the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz” amid skyrocketing petroleum prices as a result of Iran’s effective closing of the strait.
Hegseth claims Strait of Hormuz actions are ‘separate and distinct’ from Iran war
Stark petrol price warning as costs near highest since Iran war began
14:30 , James ReynoldsThe RAC has issued a stark warning to motorists about rising fuel prices as the ongoing Iran war threatens to further push up costs.
Prices fell at the back end of April but are now nearing the highest since the war began in late February. There is likely to be worse to come if the wholesale costs of fuel stay as they are.
The RAC said pump prices hit 158p for petrol and 191p for diesel on April 15. They drifted back from that on the hope that Donald Trump might at least cut a deal with Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which a large proportion of the world’s oil is transported.
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RAC issues petrol price warning as costs near highest since Iran war began
Comment: Trump’s latest threat to ‘blow away’ Iran shows how few options he really has
14:00 , James ReynoldsTrump’s apocalyptic threats combined with his access to nuclear weapons see him vying with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un for role of global disruptor, warns world affairs editor Sam Kiley:
Trump’s latest threat to ‘blow away’ Iran shows how few options he really has
Hegseth insists ceasefire pauses need for Congressional extension to war
13:32 , James ReynoldsAsked whether the administration will seek congressional approval if the ceasefire breaks down, Hegseth appears to dodge the question.
He reasserts the position that the nominal ceasefire agreement in place stopped the clock on the war before the 60-day deadline.
Hegseth says: “The option [to reopen hostilities] always there. And Iran knows that. And that's why their choices in Project Freedom are important.
He says the president retains the power to restart the conflict if necessary.
Saudi Arabia calls for mediation to stop escalation
13:32 , James ReynoldsSaudi Arabia’s foreign ministry shares the country’s concerns about renewed “escalation” in the region, after a day of clashes around the Gulf.
A statement shared on social media calls for urgent mediation and diplomatic efforts to stop the region “from sliding into further tension and instability”.
It goes on to stress the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation, as Iran widens its claim to regional waters.
#Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s concern regarding the current military escalation in the region and calls for de-escalation, restraint, and support for Pakistani mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a political solution that prevents… pic.twitter.com/qHeULfDivT
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) May 5, 2026
US will not entangle Iran in nation building project, says Hegseth
13:25 , James ReynoldsResponding to reporters again, Pete Hegseth vows that the United States will not entangle Iran in a nation-building project.
Ceasefire is not over, says Hegseth
13:22 , James ReynoldsTop US General Dan Caine tells reporters that Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz have so far not met the threshold that would require the United States to restart combat operations.
Hegseth reaffirms that the ceasefire is not over. He insists the US is “defending”, and urges Iran to keep clashes under the threshold for re-escalation.
He says the US anticipated some friction to begin.
Gen. Caine says US ready to resume conflict if needed
13:16 , James ReynoldsGen. Dan ‘Razin’ Caine, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, says that there are still 22,500 mariners stuck in the Gulf and unable to transit.
He says Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships since the ceasefire agreement came into force last month.
The US forces in the region remain ready to resume major combat operations against Iran if ordered to do so, he insists, adding that more than 100 fighters, attack aircraft and other manned and unmanned aircraft are in the air 24 hours a day, providing defensive overwatch.
Some 15,000 American service members are involved in the ongoing operations in the region, he says.
“Commercial vessels will see, hear and frankly feel American combat power around them, in the sea, in the skies and on the radio,” he says.
