New Delhi, March 14 -- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday (March 13) the United States is prepared to respond to any attempts by Iran to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Washington will not allow the strategic waterway to remain contested.

Speaking to reporters at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth sought to reassure global markets and shipping operators that the situation was under control.

"It's something we're dealing with, we have been dealing with it, and you don't need to worry about it," Hegseth said.

Hegseth said the strait remains open but claimed Iranian actions are the primary factor preventing normal maritime transit.

"The only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran s...