On April 16, Washington (NationPress) declared its authority over maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting Iranian assertions of control over this vital waterway amid ongoing tensions that persist despite a tenuous ceasefire.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that Iran lacks both the naval strength and situational awareness required to dominate shipping routes, accusing the nation of threatening commercial vessels instead.

"While Iran claims it has control over the Strait of Hormuz, the reality is that it lacks a competent Navy and genuine awareness of the situation," he stated.

He warned that any efforts to target civilian shipping would be classified as criminal acts.

"Threatening to launch missiles and drones at lawful commercial vessels navigating international waters is not indicative of control; it is piracy and terrorism," he asserted.

During a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth was accompanied by Air Force General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Bradley Cooper, the Commander of US Central Command overseeing military operations in the Middle East.

This statement comes in the context of the US enforcing a naval blockade aimed at Iran's ports and coastline, as part of a broader initiative to limit Tehran's military and economic influence following recent military activities.

Hegseth noted that the US Navy is effectively managing traffic through the strait with only a small fraction of its global fleet.

"We are conducting this blockade with less than 10% of America's naval assets," he remarked, adding that Iran holds "essentially zero control" over its naval operations.

Military representatives indicated that this blockade applies to all vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports, irrespective of their nationality, with enforcement extending into both international and territorial waters.

Caine detailed the scale of this operation, stating that over 10,000 military personnel—including sailors, Marines, and aircrew, alongside numerous ships and aircraft—are involved in sustaining the blockade.

Warnings have been issued to vessels attempting to enter prohibited areas, resulting in several ships altering their routes.

"Do not attempt to breach the blockade... non-compliance will lead to the use of force," a standard communication stated.

As per the Pentagon, 13 vessels have already turned back, and none have engaged in confrontations necessitating boarding or seizure.

Despite the ceasefire halting significant combat operations, US officials assert that forces are fully prepared for any escalation.

Caine noted that this joint force could "reinitiate major combat operations at literally a moment's notice."

Hegseth also expressed disappointment with allies for not actively contributing to maritime security efforts.

He pointed out that while some regional partners have supported US initiatives, others have "made promises without action" as tensions escalated.

He emphasized that the responsibility for securing global waterways should not rest solely on Washington.

"We should aspire to a world where other nations can protect their own waterways, not just rely on the United States Navy," stated the US Defense Secretary.