Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Tuesday said Project Freedom, the U.S. effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz, is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury, and is "defensive in nature."

Hegseth said hundreds more ships from nations around the world are lining up to transit the strait, and that U.S. Central Command is in active communication with ships, shipping companies, and insurers. Hegseth also said the blockade of Iranian ports is in full effect.

Voters are heading to the polls in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan on Tuesday, with key primary races and one closely watched special election underway.