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Pentagon Hands Hormuz Escort to Allies, Calls Iran Aggressor

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the escort of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will be handed to other nations.
He called Iran the aggressor, a claim social-media users called false, prompting critics to say the Pentagon was conceding control of the strait.
Two U.S.-flagged ships transited the strait with destroyers, helicopters and personnel, prompting shipping and insurance concerns and doubts about linking Operation Epic Fury to the escort.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the escort of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will be handed to other nations.
He called Iran the aggressor, a claim social-media users called false, prompting critics to say the Pentagon was conceding control of the strait.
Two U.S.-flagged ships transited the strait with destroyers, helicopters and personnel, prompting shipping and insurance concerns and doubts about linking Operation Epic Fury to the escort.