Rubio: Project Freedom is a ‘defensive operation’

Published May 5, 2026 4:22pm ET



Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that Project Freedom, President Donald Trump‘s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, is a defensive operation.

The United States destroyed nine Iranian vessels on Monday after those ships opened fire on commercial vessels traveling through the strait. U.S. officials, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, have remained adamant that the ceasefire with Iran remains in place, despite the attacks.

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