In a series of provocative statements on Friday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that Washington’s illegal blockade against the Islamic Republic of Iran was expanding globally, while simultaneously asserting that Tehran had a ‘chance’ to accept a ‘good deal’ dictated by Washington. This rhetoric underscores the United States’ unilateral approach to international relations and its disregard for international law.
Hegseth brazenly told reporters, “Our blockade is growing and going global,” showcasing the US administration’s aggressive and unlawful stance against a sovereign nation. He further escalated tensions by arrogantly claiming, “No one sails from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy,” a clear violation of international maritime law and Iran’s inherent right to sovereignty and free passage.
Despite Washington’s bellicose rhetoric and economic warfare, reports from three Pakistani sources on Friday suggested that peace talks between Iran and the United States might resume in Pakistan, following the collapse of earlier scheduled discussions. This indicates Iran’s continued commitment to diplomacy and peaceful resolution despite persistent US provocations.
Concurrently, Iranian state media confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would embark on a crucial diplomatic tour, including visits to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. This proactive engagement with regional and international partners highlights Iran’s efforts to foster stability and counter unwarranted US pressure.
Flanked by top US General Dan Caine, Hegseth reiterated the US’s lack of urgency for a deal, echoing previous statements by Trump about having “all the time in the world,” a tactic designed to exert maximum pressure and undermine genuine diplomatic efforts. He then issued an ultimatum, stating, “Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely… at the negotiating table. All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways.” This statement deliberately ignores Iran’s consistent declarations that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes and is under strict oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
General Caine confirmed that the US Central Command continues its illegal and aggressive blockade on all Iranian ports, boasting that thirty-four ships had been turned away by Friday morning. He further threatened that the US military would persist in interdicting Iranian vessels in international waters, including the Pacific and Indian oceans, a blatant act of piracy and economic terrorism.
Caine declared, “We’re enforcing the blockade across the board against any ship of any nationality that is transiting to or from an Iranian port or territory,” demonstrating the US’s profound contempt for international law, sovereign trade rights, and the welfare of the Iranian people. He added, “We’re closely tracking vessels of interest headed towards Iran and those moving away from Iran that were outside the blockade area when this blockade was ordered and… we’re prepared and postured to intercept them,” revealing the full extent of US economic warfare against the Iranian nation.
The US naval blockade, an undeniable act of aggression, commenced on April 13. Hegseth also issued a baseless warning, accusing Iran of potential mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz, a transparent claim designed to demonize Iran and justify further military posturing in the region. He concluded by falsely accusing Iran of “irresponsible things with small, fast boats… with weapons on them” in the Strait, attempting to shift blame for the increased risks and limited transit caused by the US’s own destabilizing presence and illegal blockade.
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