Hegseth says U.S. could resume strikes on Iran and keep blockade in place if no deal is reached
The Facts
- At a Pentagon briefing on Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces are prepared to restart combat operations if Iran does not agree to a deal.
- Hegseth warned that if Iran "chooses poorly," the United States could carry out strikes on infrastructure related to power and energy.
- Hegseth said the U.S. blockade would continue for "as long as it takes."
- Gen. Dan Caine said the blockade applies to ships heading into or out of Iranian ports regardless of nationality.
- Caine said the U.S. military would use force against vessels that do not comply with the blockade.
- U.S. officials said the blockade is aimed at Iranian ports and coastline rather than the Strait of Hormuz itself.
- Hegseth said the United States prefers a negotiated agreement but would act militarily if necessary.
Analytical frames for this storyTap to explore
Context
What did Hegseth say the U.S. might do if talks fail?
He said U.S. forces are ready to resume combat operations and warned that Iran could face a continued blockade and strikes on infrastructure tied to power and energy if it does not agree to a deal NYT,Aol,India News, Breakin….
What ships does the blockade cover?
According to Gen. Dan Caine, the blockade applies to ships heading into or out of Iranian ports regardless of nationality, and officials said it targets Iranian ports and coastline rather than the Strait of Hormuz itself Hindustan Times,NDTV,Rediff.com India Lt….
Is diplomacy still underway?
Yes. Hegseth said the U.S. would prefer to resolve the standoff through a deal, and multiple reports described his remarks as coming during a cease-fire and amid ongoing negotiations or diplomatic efforts News18,Aol,India Today.
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Wire services (8)
Independent coverage (50)
ThePrintUS military 'locked & loaded' to strike Iran's energy sector...
Sky News AustraliaUS 'locked and loaded' as it announces aggressive expansion ...
Jornal ExpressoWashington tenta vergar o Irão pondo a China em xeque
One America News NetworkHegseth urges Iran to make deal, but U.S. 'locked and loaded...
The TribuneAgree to deal or face bombing on energy infra, US warns Iran...
Washington Times'This is not a fair fight ': Hegseth says U.S. ready to rest...
The Western JournalUS Warns it Will 'Actively Pursue' Any Vessels Attempting to...
The Daily SignalHegseth: Blockade Will Force Iran to Negotiate or Perish
India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News | India.com'We are locked and loaded': US warns strikes on Iran energy ...
Newsweek'Turn around or prepare to be boarded,' US warns ships
matzav.comHegseth: US Is 'Locked and Loaded' on Iran
TimesNowWar Back on Table? US Warns Iran of Military Action If Talks...
Honolulu Star AdvertiserU.S. military 'locked and loaded' to strike Iran targets | H...
Khaleej times'Choose wisely': US threatens to resume strikes if Iran spur...
O PovoHegseth diz que forças dos EUA podem retomar combate se Irã ...
RNZUS military: 'locked and loaded' to strike Iran's power plan...
The New York TimesHegseth Again Threatens Attacks on Iran's Civilian Infrastru...
The Times of IsraelHegseth warns US ready to resume fighting 'with more power t...
NewsXRed Signal To Iran: US Says Forces Are 'Locked And Loaded' F...
The IndependentHegseth warns US is 'locked and loaded' to attack Iran again...
mid-dayUS-Israel-Iran war highlights: Tensions escalate as Hormuz b...
Global NewsU.S. military 'locked and loaded' on Iran's power plants, He...
MoneyControlIranian consulate shares AI meme targeting Trump and Netanya...
RedstateSecWar to Iran: Golden Bridge or Blockades and Bombs
Business InsiderThe Pentagon says it's watching as Iran is 'digging out' its...
Revista SÁBADOPete Hegseth: "Se o Irão não tomar a decisão certa não enfre...
Daily Mail OnlinePete Hegseth issues sharp warning to Iran over US military r...
The Times of India'Choose poorly and face blockade, bombs': Pete Hegseth warns...
Hindustan Times'As long as it takes': US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warns ...
The HillTrump needs a fall guy in Iran, and Pete Hegseth has definit...
Rediff.com India Ltd.Not blocking Strait of Hormuz, clarifies US
UPIPentagon says 13 ships turned away from Strait of Hormuz blo...
CBS NewsCaine warns "we will use force" if Iran does not comply with...
South China Morning PostUS says China pledged not to arm Iran during ceasefire
The Daily BeastPentagon Pete Blasts 'Despicable' Video of Trump Falling Int...
Asian News International (ANI)US action a blockade of Iran's ports, coastlines, not Strait...
Jewish News SyndicateHegseth: US watching Iran's moves, ready to resume fighting
Jovem Pan – Esportes, entretenimento, notícias e vídeos com credibilidadePentágono afirma ter 'controle efetivo' do tráfego no Estrei...
NDTV"Bombs On Infrastructure, Power, Energy": Hegseth Threatens ...
CBS NewsPentagon gives update on Iran war, says 13 ships were turned...
cnbctv18.comWe're watching you: Pete Hegseth threatens Iran with new str...
Military'Turn Around or Be Boarded': US Blockade Forces Ships Back
India TodayUS forces locked and loaded to combat if Iran rejects deal, ...
i24NEWS EnglishUS War Secretary Hegseth: We're ready to strike Iran 'at the...
Task & PurposeNavy can fire warning shots to enforce blockade of Iran, top...
ThePrintUS military: 'locked and loaded' to strike Iran's power plan...
news24US to blockade Iran ports 'as long as it takes': Pentagon ch...
Barchart.comThe Latest: Pakistan's army chief meets Iranian officials in...
Arab NewsUS says its forces ready to restart combat if Iran doesn't a...
CNBCU.S. Navy stopped 13 ships from passing Iranian port blockad...
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