By Ginika Igboke
The Pentagon on May 26 rejected reports suggesting that the United States had resumed naval escort operations for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region intensified following a fresh round of U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets.
The clarification came as speculation mounted over whether Washington was restarting maritime protection missions after renewed instability threatened one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
In a statement posted on X, United States Central Command dismissed reports that American naval forces had resumed escort duties.
“Recent media reporting claims that the U.S. Navy has restarted escorting or assisting commercial vessels during transits through the Strait of Hormuz. FALSE,” the command stated.
CENTCOM further emphasized that “Project Freedom,” the previously announced operation intended to provide military protection for commercial traffic, had not resumed.
“Project Freedom has not resumed, and U.S. forces are not currently escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement added.
Conflicting Reports Spark Questions Over Maritime Security
The Pentagon’s denial followed claims by Iranian military officials earlier in the day alleging that Iranian forces had shot down a U.S. drone and opened fire on an F-35 fighter aircraft.
Those developments fueled broader concerns that maritime security operations could be expanded once again amid growing instability.
Earlier reports citing unnamed sources had suggested the U.S. Navy recently assisted a Greek supertanker carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil through the narrow shipping passage that Iran has effectively restricted during the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. Before hostilities erupted, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies moved through the route.
Disruptions there have sent ripple effects across international markets.
Energy Markets Continue Feeling Pressure
The restrictions imposed on shipping traffic since fighting began on Feb. 28 have contributed to a global energy shock, pushing prices higher for fuel, food products, and fertilizer while adding pressure to economies already struggling with inflation and slower growth.
In the United States, gasoline prices climbed sharply following the disruption, while consumer confidence also weakened amid uncertainty surrounding global energy supplies.
In an effort to stabilize maritime traffic earlier this month, the Trump administration launched “Project Freedom,” an initiative designed to provide military escorts for commercial vessels transiting the strait.
However, the effort was halted roughly 36 hours after it began.
Officials suspended the operation as escalating Iranian attacks on shipping raised fears that renewed military activity could undermine an already fragile ceasefire and derail diplomatic negotiations.
Recent Strikes Intensify Regional Friction
The Pentagon’s latest statement came only one day after U.S. forces carried out what officials described as “self-defense strikes” against Iranian missile launch positions and boats allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines in southern Iran.
Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for CENTCOM, said the operation aimed to protect U.S. personnel while maintaining restraint under current ceasefire conditions.
According to Hawkins, the strikes targeted threats posed by Iranian forces operating near strategic waterways.
Iran strongly criticized the attacks and accused Washington of violating ceasefire agreements.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the strikes in Hormozgan Province near the Strait of Hormuz as a “gross violation” of the nearly seven-week truce.
State-affiliated Iranian media later reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Jask.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed its air-defense systems had intercepted a U.S. drone and fired on additional aerial targets it said approached Iranian airspace.
Iranian military officials warned that any further attacks by the United States or Israel would bring severe consequences.
Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi told state media that Tehran remained fully prepared for military action and would continue defending its interests in the Strait of Hormuz “with authority.”
Negotiations Continue Despite Escalation
Despite the rising tensions and military exchanges, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran had made progress, although he cautioned that finalizing an agreement could still take time.
Speaking to reporters aboard a flight in Jaipur, India, Rubio emphasized that restoring maritime access remains a central issue.
“The straits have to be open. They’re going to be open one way or the other,” Rubio said.
He explained that negotiators were still addressing disagreements surrounding the wording and structure of a proposed memorandum of understanding intended to end hostilities and gradually restore commercial shipping through the strait.
“There’s going to be a deal. We’re going to have to work through that, but this is either going to be a good deal or there isn’t going to be one,” Rubio added.
Both American and Iranian officials have recently indicated that indirect negotiations have made progress toward a broader framework agreement.
President Donald Trump also expressed cautious optimism this week, saying talks with Tehran were “proceeding nicely,” while warning that failure to reach an agreement could result in renewed military conflict on a larger scale.
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