US intercepts 6 ships trying to run American blockade during operation to open Strait of Hormuz

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth revealed Tuesday that six ships attempted to bypass the U.S. military's blockade of Iranian ports during the operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but they were all turned around.

"In fact, six ships tried to run the blockade out of Iranian ports as Project Freedom commenced, and they were all turned around," Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine speak to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

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