U.S. military forces will not violate Iran’s airspace or territorial waters during operations to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Axar.az reports, citing CBS, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the statement during a press conference, describing the mission as limited and defensive.

“This operation is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury. Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope, and temporary in duration, with one mission: protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression,” Hegseth said.

He emphasized that U.S. forces would not need to enter Iranian airspace or waters, adding: “We’re not looking for a fight.”

"But Iran also cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from an international waterway," he said, calling Iran the "clear aggressor," and accusing the Islamic Republic regime of "weaponizing a critical chokepoint for its own financial benefit."

He added that U.S. forces are prepared to respond if necessary: "We'd prefer this to be a peaceful operation, but are locked and loaded to defend our people, our ships, our aircraft and this mission without gestation," he said. "To Iran: Let innocent ships pass freely. These international waters belong to all nations, not to Iran to tax, toll for control."