Hegseth says U.S. controls Hormuz as strikes loom

Guardian live coverage and a Department of War article reported Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz because U.S. forces can protect commercial shipping with partners. Axios separately reported Hegseth told reporters the U.S. would strike Iran for a second consecutive evening to pressure Tehran toward a deal.

Why this matters. This ties the strike threat to control of the oil chokepoint, making shipping claims part of the military bargaining position. The watchpoint is whether ship-tracking data, tanker operators, or CENTCOM details support the control claim before Iran treats escorted traffic as a target set.