Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday that US forces in the Middle East are prepared to restart combat operations should Iran fail to agree to a peace deal. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth reiterated that the US would blockade Iranian ports “for as long as it takes.”
“If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy,” Hegseth stated during a news conference at the Pentagon. The blockade of Iranian ports commenced at 1400 GMT on Monday, following the collapse of peace talks in Pakistan the previous day.
General Dan Caine, the highest-ranking US military officer, clarified that the blockade “applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports.” He sternly warned, “If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force.” Caine, speaking alongside Hegseth, further indicated that Washington’s forces would pursue ships attempting to deliver aid to Iran in other regions. “In addition to this blockade, the joint force, through operations and activities in other areas of responsibility…will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel, or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” Caine added.
Concurrently, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a deal to end the conflict in Iran could be imminent, though the exact timeline remained uncertain. Trump suggested that a two-week ceasefire, set to conclude next week, might be extended, but he believed it wouldn’t be necessary given Tehran’s apparent desire for an agreement.
“We’re going to see what happens. But I think we’re very close to making a deal with Iran,” Trump told reporters. He also hinted at a potential visit to Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, if an agreement were to be finalized and signed there. In Islamabad, where the recent talks were held, troops were visible along routes into the capital on Friday. However, roads remained open, and unlike previous meetings, the government had not ordered businesses to close.
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