Iran’s moves in Hormuz show growing desperation, US defence chief says

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that Iran is showing “sheer desperation” in the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed amid the ongoing conflict, blocking a significant portion of the world’s oil supply, AP reports.

“And as the world is seeing, they are exercising sheer desperation in the Straits of Hormuz, something we’re dealing with. We have been dealing with it and don’t need to worry about it. We’re on plan to defeat, destroy, disable all of their meaningful military capabilities at a pace the world has never seen before,” Hegseth said, without providing further operational details.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, added that the US military has prioritized countering Iran’s efforts to lay mines in the strategic waterway, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments.

“We have made it a priority to target Iran’s minelaying enterprise,” Caine said, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure the strait.

By Vafa Guliyeva