US War Secretary Pete Hegseth, addressing a press briefing at the Pentagon, says that Washington is promising security for commercial vessels with a “red, white and blue dome” over the Strait of Hormuz, as part of the recently launched Project Freedom.

“Two US commercial ships, along with American destroyers, have already transited the Strait, showing the lane is clear,” Hegseth adds, noting that Iran is “embarrassed”.

He adds that hundreds of ships from across the world are lining up to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with US Central Command in contact with vessels and shipping companies.

“As a direct gift from the United States to the world, we have established a powerful red, white and blue dome over the Strait,” Hegseth says, noting that US destroyers are on station providing overwatch for commercial shipping, in conjunction with combat and surveillance aircraft.