Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that its military capabilities are depleted and vowed to sustain a strict naval blockade until the regime submits to U.S. peace terms.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to the Iranian regime on Thursday, asserting that the United States will maintain its naval blockade indefinitely as long as Tehran refuses to comply with Washington’s diplomatic demands. Speaking from the Pentagon, Hegseth highlighted the asymmetry of the conflict, noting that the blockade is being enforced with less than 10% of American naval power and stating, “The math is clear. We’re using 10% of the world’s most powerful navy, and you have 0% of your navy.”
Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that 13 commercial vessels have already turned back to avoid U.S. warships, emphasizing that the enforcement includes the seizure of “‘Dark Fleet’ vessels carrying Iranian oil.” Hegseth remained critical of European proposals for a neutral maritime police force, dismissing allies as “all talk and no action” while reiterating that the U.S. remains prepared to resume bombing infrastructure if the ceasefire is violated. Despite the mounting pressure, Hegseth maintained that an “off-ramp” remains available for Iran, though he cautioned that “if Iran chooses poorly, they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure.”