Hegseth: Ceasefire with Iran Remains Active After Strait Fire

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the existing ceasefire with Iran remains in effect, despite recent hostile actions in the Strait of Hormuz. This declaration followed an exchange of fire between Iranian forces and U.S. assets escorting commercial vessels.

Hegseth Addresses Ceasefire Status

During a press briefing at the Pentagon on May 5, 2026, Secretary Hegseth confirmed that the ceasefire agreement with Iran has not been terminated. He addressed the recent tensions following Iran's attacks on U.S. forces and commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Context: 'Project Freedom' and Escalation

Iran's recent aggressive actions were reportedly a response to the U.S. initiating "Project Freedom." This operation aims to escort commercial vessels out of the Persian Gulf, where many ships have reportedly been stranded since the conflict began on February 28.

Secretary Hegseth clarified the scope of the current military activity, distinguishing it from the broader conflict concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions. He stated that "Project Freedom" is a "separate, distinct project," acknowledging that some initial friction was anticipated.

Joint Chiefs Report on Incidents

Adding context to the operational status, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine provided statistics regarding the period since the ceasefire was announced on April 7.

• Attacks on Commercial Vessels: Iran has reportedly fired at commercial vessels nine times.
• Seizures: Two container ships were seized.
• Attacks on U.S. Forces: U.S. forces have been attacked more than ten times.

However, Chairman Caine noted that these reported incidents remain "all below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point."