Pentagon official Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a devastating U.S. military response.
The warning comes as the U.S. attempts to keep the critical waterway open after Iran closed the strait following a conflict between the U.S. and Israel. Because the Strait of Hormuz is a primary artery for global oil and trade, any prolonged closure or escalation of violence threatens international energy markets and maritime security.
Hegseth said the U.S. is focused on deterring Iranian aggression to ensure the route remains accessible for commercial shipping. He said the U.S. is prepared to use significant firepower if Iranian forces target non-military vessels.
This escalation follows a period of heightened tension in the region. According to reports, seven U.S. soldiers have died in the Iran war so far [1]. Hegseth said the number of casualties is expected to grow as operations continue.
The U.S. military presence in the region remains high as it monitors Iranian activity. The strategic goal is to prevent the complete blockade of the waterway, a move that would isolate regional ports and disrupt global supply chains.
Hegseth said the upcoming days will be decisive in the conflict. The U.S. continues to coordinate with allies to maintain a naval presence capable of responding to immediate threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
“attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a devastating U.S. military response”
The U.S. is signaling a shift toward a more aggressive deterrence posture to prevent a global economic shock. By explicitly linking the safety of commercial shipping to a 'devastating' military response, the Pentagon is attempting to establish a red line that prevents Iran from using the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic lever in the broader US-Israel conflict.
