US eyes indefinite Iran naval blockade as oil supply shortfall deepens

AI Summary

The United States threatened to maintain an indefinite naval blockade against Iran amid continuing economic pressure and failed ceasefire negotiations. The move comes as global oil supply tightens and regional tensions escalate, highlighting ongoing U.S. military and geopolitical strategy in the Middle East.

By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali PANAMA CITY, Aug 13 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday threatened to maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, ratcheting up economic pressure on Tehran as ceasefire talks have floundered, global oil supply is dropping and regional tensions are rising. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the U.S. military could keep a naval presence in the region to enforce its blockade of Iran, which has inflicted severe economic damage on the country.