The United States has announced a major escalation of its military posture toward Iran, declaring a wide-ranging naval blockade of shipping lanes connected to Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz while warning that combat operations could resume if Tehran does not accede to a peace deal, according to remarks attributed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a Pentagon briefing on Thursday.
The Pentagon chief warned that the US-led measures would prevent all vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports “for as long as it takes”, regardless of nationality.
“To be clear, this blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, going to or from Iranian ports,” Hegseth said. “We will maintain this blockade as long as it lasts.
“Ready to resume combat operations”
Hegseth warned that US forces in the Middle East remain in a position to resume combat operations if diplomatic efforts fail.
“You Iran, you can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope you will do it for the Iranian people,” he said. “But if Iran makes the wrong decision, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropped on infrastructure, power and energy.”
He also said U.S. forces were closely monitoring Iranian military activity, including the movement of assets and what he described as efforts to restore damaged launch systems.
Maritime enforcement plan outlined
US military leadership, including General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outlined the enforcement measures associated with the blockade.
Caine said U.S. forces would target any Iranian-flagged vessel or any ship accused of providing support to Tehran.
“We will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel that seeks to provide material support to Iran,” Caine said.
He added that vessels attempting to breach the blockade would be detained and warned and could face the use of force if they did not comply. According to him, enforcement will apply both in Iranian territorial waters and in international waters.
Escalating rhetoric and strategic messages
Hegseth said the U.S. Navy now effectively controls maritime traffic in and out of the region and rejected Iranian influence in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping lane.
“Iran likes to say it controls the Strait of Hormuz, but it has no navy,” he said, calling threats against commercial shipping “piracy.”
He added that Washington would welcome the participation of allies in securing the waterway.
Warns Iran against military moves
Hegseth issued a direct warning to the Iranian leadership, claiming that he was closely monitoring Iran’s military movements and that Tehran’s strategic capabilities were deteriorating.
“We know what military assets you’re moving and where you’re moving them,” Hegseth said. “While you’re digging out – which is exactly what you’re doing, digging out of bombed and devastated facilities – we’re only getting stronger.”
He further claimed that Iran was attempting to restore its remaining missile launch systems, while lacking the capacity to replenish its arsenal.
“You’re ditching your remaining launchers and missiles with no way to replace them,” he said. “You have no defense industry, no ability to supplement your offensive or defensive capabilities.
Unverified claim to Iranian leadership
In another note, Hegseth suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was “believed to be wounded and alive,” without providing evidence or further details.
The statement comes at a time of heightened tensions and ongoing efforts for a ceasefire in diplomacy.
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