US can keep naval blockade on Iranian ports "indefinitely," Pentagon chief says

🌐 Al-Monitor Middle East (IR) —
US can keep naval blockade on Iranian ports "indefinitely," Pentagon chief says

AI Summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. military can maintain a naval blockade on Iranian ports indefinitely, with capability to rotate ships to sustain pressure. This move is intended to aid diplomatic negotiations to end ongoing conflict beginning in February.

By Phil Stewart PANAMA CITY, Aug 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. military has enough assets to maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, adding ships could be rotated in and out of the region as needed. Hegseth's comments suggest he is advising U.S. President Donald Trump that the U.S. military can keep applying economic pressure on Iran for as long as needed to help so-far failed negotiations to end the conflict, begun in February.

Security Politics Shipping U.S. military naval blockade Iran Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth economic pressure diplomatic negotiations

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