SouthernWorldwide.com – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are providing a crucial update on the Iran war amidst escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The press conference comes as a fragile ceasefire faces significant challenges. U.S. Navy destroyers were engaged in repelling a substantial assault of Iranian missiles, attack drones, and small boats on Monday.
These naval assets were escorting two commercial vessels through the vital Strait of Hormuz at the time of the attack.
Iran’s foreign minister commented on the day’s events, stating that the violence demonstrated the absence of a military solution to the conflict. He cautioned that the U.S. and its regional allies should be mindful of not being drawn back into a protracted quagmire by those with malicious intent.
Defense officials confirmed to CBS News that two U.S. Navy destroyers successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, evading a barrage of Iranian drones and missiles.
The U.S. Central Command announced that two U.S.-flagged commercial vessels also transited the strait as part of “Project Freedom.” This initiative was launched by President Trump with the objective of ensuring safe passage for ships through the waterway.
According to U.S. Central Command, the U.S. military successfully destroyed six Iranian boats that attempted to disrupt the passage of commercial vessels being escorted by the Navy. President Trump later indicated that the number of destroyed boats was seven.
However, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency refuted this claim, asserting that none of their “fast boats” were destroyed on Monday.
President Trump had previously stated in remarks to Fox News that Iran would face severe consequences, being “blown off the face of the Earth,” if it interfered in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Fox News reporter Trey Yingst.
Meanwhile, Iran has issued warnings that U.S. forces will be targeted if they enter the strait. Iran has been attempting to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint responsible for approximately 20% of global oil transit. The strait has been largely inaccessible since the war commenced in late February.
Adding to the escalating situation, Iran also launched attacks on targets within the United Arab Emirates and on a tanker owned by the Abu Dhabi state energy company on Monday, according to the U.S.-allied nation.
This series of confrontations poses a significant test to the current ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump had extended this ceasefire indefinitely the previous month, during which time both parties were engaged in negotiations for a more comprehensive agreement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported on Monday that discussions between the two nations were showing progress. However, he reiterated his warning to the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, advising them to “be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers.”
President Trump, in his own statements over the weekend, indicated that Iran’s latest peace proposal was unlikely to be accepted, citing that Iran had “not yet paid a big enough price.”
How to watch the Pentagon’s Iran war update:
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- What: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine will hold a news conference.
- Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
- Time: 8 a.m. ET.
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Online stream: Live coverage will be available on CBS News 24/7.
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