Washington, March 31 -- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that "many more" ships are now passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, underscoring heightened military and commercial activity in the region as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
Speaking during a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth revealed that he made an unannounced visit over the weekend to US service members operating within the United States Central Command (Centcom) area of responsibility.
He declined to specify the locations visited, citing operational security concerns and the risk of exposing troops to potential targeting.
"The trip was an honor," Hegseth said. "I witnessed the best of America - warriors united in purpose, commitment, and cap...