US Warns of Heightened Risks in Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Tensions

Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, said vessels were still moving through the critical waterway but under conditions of increased danger due to Iranian actions.

"Transit is occurring... much more limited than anybody would like to see and with more risk than people would like to see," he said at a Pentagon briefing.

He attributed the risks to Iranian activity, including the use of small fast boats and threats against commercial shipping.

"These are commercial ships... cruise ships... being threatened," Hegseth added.

The US has authorised strong countermeasures against potential threats, particularly the laying of Naval mines.

"If Iran is putting mines in the water... we will shoot to destroy -- no hesitation," Hegseth said.

Military officials said efforts were underway to monitor and counter such risks, though they declined to specify timelines for clearing any mines in the area.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said Iran had already attacked merchant vessels in the region.

"Iran has attacked five merchant vessels... seized two of them," he added.

The Pentagon said the US Navy was maintaining a strict blockade against vessels linked to Iranian ports, while allowing other ships to transit under controlled conditions.

Hegseth said the enforcement action had deterred further attempts to breach the blockade.

"That sent a very clear sign that this is not a fake blockade," he added.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil exports.

Any disruption can have immediate implications for energy-importing nations, including India.

India relies heavily on crude oil imports from the Gulf region, making stability in the Strait vital for its energy security and economic stability.

Even limited disruptions or increased insurance and shipping costs can translate into higher fuel prices domestically.

- IANS