Washington, April 24: The United States announced on Friday that its naval blockade against Iran is tightening by the hour. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran now faces two options: either negotiate a nuclear deal or endure severe economic hardship due to ongoing U.S. pressure.
Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Hegseth noted that “Operation Epic Fury” has yielded decisive military results in just a few weeks. He emphasized that this operation differs significantly from prolonged wars of the past that dragged on for years or decades.
Hegseth explained that the U.S. Navy is enforcing a strict blockade from the Gulf of Oman to international waters. He warned that any vessel violating the rules while entering or leaving Iranian ports would be turned back.
Currently, 34 non-Iranian vessels have been granted passage, with several already having passed through. He also mentioned that another aircraft carrier will join the operation in the coming days.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Ken, stated that the U.S. military has already demonstrated its capacity to use force when necessary. He recounted an incident this week where a large container ship ignored repeated warnings. After exhausting all options, Central Command authorized fire to disable the ship, which was subsequently boarded by Marines.
He confirmed that the ship and its crew are now safely under U.S. control.
The Pentagon also reported that Iran’s restricted oil shipments have been intercepted in various parts of the world, including large oil tankers in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. General Ken asserted that these maritime interdiction operations will continue.
Hegseth remarked that the blockade is expanding and becoming more global. He claimed that no vessel can pass through the Strait of Hormuz without U.S. Navy permission.
He accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guards of behaving like “maritime pirates,” attacking commercial vessels and contributing to regional instability.
The U.S. has also authorized action against Iranian fast boats laying mines at sea. Hegseth stated that if Iran places mines in the water, they will be destroyed without hesitation.
He urged U.S. allies, particularly in Europe, to take a more active role in securing maritime trade routes, stating that the time for free-riding is over, as Europe and Asia heavily depend on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Referring to Donald Trump, Hegseth noted that the President is not overly enthusiastic about a deal, but if Iran genuinely and verifiably abandons its nuclear program, the door for negotiations remains open.
General Ken added that the U.S. military is prepared for any major military operation, and conditions are changing rapidly.
This development comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where the Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for global oil trade. Any disruption here could significantly impact energy markets and trade worldwide.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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