Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The United States has said it will ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz and maintain the free flow of global energy supplies as the conflict with Iran escalates, while warning that Tehran is miscalculating American military resolve. In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said American forces were already degrading Iran’s naval capabilities and were prepared to take further action to safeguard critical shipping routes.
“What was the Iranian Navy is largely no more,” Hegseth said, adding that US forces would continue targeting vessels and assets that threaten maritime security. Hegseth suggested Washington’s military operations were aimed at ensuring that such disruptions do not materialise.
“We’re taking care of a lot of that… American firepower,” he said when asked about protecting shipping through the strait and restoring confidence for commercial vessels operating in the region. Hegseth said the administration believes it can manage the economic impact while continuing military operations.
“It is an important goal to achieve,” he said, referring to the broader campaign objectives, adding that US officials were working with allies and energy authorities to mitigate any shock to global markets. The comments come amid heightened tensions in the region and fears that the conflict could trigger a wider disruption to energy supplies.
