The United States has announced a major escalation in its military posture toward Iran, declaring a sweeping , while warning that combat operations could resume if Tehran does not agree to a peace deal, according to remarks attributed to Defense Secretary at a Pentagon briefing on Thursday.
The warned the “for as long as it takes,” regardless of nationality.
“Let me be clear, this blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports,” said. “For as long as it takes, we will maintain this blockade.”
‘Prepared to restart combat operations’
warned that US forces in the Middle East remain positioned to restart combat operations if diplomatic efforts fail.
“You Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran,” he said. “But if Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy.”
He also said US forces were closely tracking Iranian military activity, including the movement of assets and what he described as efforts to recover damaged launch systems.
Naval enforcement plan outlined
US military leadership, including , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outlined enforcement measures tied to the blockade.
Caine said US 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 attempting to provide material support to Iran,” Caine said.
He added that vessels attempting to breach the blockade would be intercepted and warned, and could face the use of force if they fail to comply. Enforcement, he said, would apply both in Iranian territorial waters and international waters.
Escalatory rhetoric and strategic messaging
Hegseth said the US Navy now effectively controls maritime traffic in and out of the region and dismissed Iran’s influence over the , 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 allied participation in securing the waterway.
Warns Iran over military movements
Hegseth has issued a direct warning to Iranian leadership, claiming it is closely tracking Iranian military movements and that Tehran’s strategic capabilities are deteriorating.
“We know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to,” Hegseth said. “While you are digging out — which is exactly what you’re doing, digging out of bombed out and devastated facilities — we are only getting stronger.”
He further claimed that Iran was attempting to recover remaining missile launch systems while lacking the capacity to replenish its arsenal.
“You are digging out your remaining launchers and missiles with no ability to replace them,” he said. “You have no defense industry, no ability to replenish your offensive or defensive capabilities.”
Unverified claim on Iranian leadership
In a further remark, Hegseth suggested that was “believed to be wounded and alive,” without providing evidence or further details.
The statements come amid heightened tensions and ongoing ceasefire diplomacy efforts.
