U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that military operations could resume if Iran refuses an agreement, emphasizing that the blockade would continue “as long as necessary” and that Tehran’s military movements are being closely monitored.
Hegseth signaled that both military and economic pressure on Iran will persist. He noted that if Iran does not move toward an agreement, U.S. forces are positioned and ready to restart combat operations.
Delivering a message of “we are watching you” to Iran, the key points from Hegseth’s remarks include:
- If Iran makes the wrong choice and refuses the agreement, U.S. forces are ready to resume operations
- We know which military assets you are moving
- Iran is attempting to prepare previously struck missile launchers for reuse
- We are strengthening our military capacity “more than before”
Claims Over the Strait of Hormuz Rejected
Hegseth also rejected Iran’s claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the country no longer has a functioning navy. He stated that threats against commercial vessels do not amount to control, describing such actions as “piracy.”
He added that while Iran’s energy sector has not been completely destroyed, the U.S.-imposed blockade has brought exports nearly to a halt, and that this blockade could continue “indefinitely if necessary.”
Hegseth further claimed that the U.S. Navy is effectively controlling maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, attributing this to America’s strong naval capabilities.
U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs: Force Will Be Used if Blockade Is Ignored
Following Hegseth, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine stated that the U.S. would track any vessel attempting to support Iran, both in Iranian territorial waters and in international waters.
Caine warned that force would be used if the blockade is not respected, noting that 13 vessels had “acted wisely” by turning back. He emphasized that the blockade applies to all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, concluding that “U.S. forces are ready at all times.”