The United States has expanded its naval blockade on Iran, allowing forces to stop, search and seize vessels suspected of carrying “contraband”, as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned U.S. forces are ready to resume combat if no deal is reached.
Speaking at a joint press conference with General Dan Caine, Hegseth said U.S. forces were “postured to restart combat operations,” adding they could act “at a moment’s notice.”
“I hope Iran chooses a deal which is within its grasp,” he said.
A U.S. Navy advisory stated that vessels suspected of transporting contraband to Iran would be subject to the “belligerent right to visit and search,” regardless of location. The list includes weapons, munitions and nuclear-related materials, as well as crude oil, refined products, and metals such as iron, steel and aluminium.
General Caine said the blockade applies to all ships travelling to or from Iran’s ports, with enforcement in both Iranian territorial waters and international waters.
“We will pursue any vessel attempting to provide support to Iran,” he said, including so-called “dark fleet” tankers carrying Iranian oil. He added that no ships had yet been boarded.
Hegseth said Iran’s motivation to maintain a ceasefire was “high”, but warned that the U.S. was closely monitoring its military activity. He also dismissed Iranian claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating that U.S. naval forces effectively oversee traffic through the vital route.
He added that Washington would welcome support from other countries in securing the waterway, and said China had assured the U.S. it would not supply weapons to Iran during the ceasefire.
The expanded blockade marks a further escalation in U.S. strategy, combining military readiness with broader economic pressure targeting Iran’s energy exports.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 5th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran wanted to negotiate and make a deal in comments to reporters on Wednesday (6 May). But earlier, he warned Washington would ramp up attacks if no agreement was reached.
Argentinian authorities are reconstructing the journeys of Dutch citizens who presented with symptoms of deadly hantavirus after visiting Argentina and Chile as part of a luxury cruise trip, the country's Health Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday (6 May)
The United Arab Emirate said it was dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran for the second day in a row on Tuesday (5 May), despite denials from authorities in Tehran who threatened a "crushing response" if the UAE retaliated.
The 61st Venice Biennale has opened under grey skies and political tension, with disputes over Russia and Israel, resignations on the jury, and protests marking the start of one of the art world’s most high-profile events.
The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 will mark its 10th anniversary with a major entertainment programme in Baku, headlined by global pop star Katy Perry.
Approximately $8 billion worth of contracts are expected to be signed at SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. The major international defence, aerospace and space industry exhibition is being held over five days from 5 - 6 May.
Türkiye and Armenia should expect gradual improvements in relations following Turkish-Vice President Serdar Kılıç’s meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan on Monday (4 May), a regional expert has said.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s planned visits to Yerevan and Baku framed the 8th European Political Community summit on 4 May, as European leaders focused on fragile South Caucasus peace efforts and rising geopolitical tensions.
The 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank concluded in Samarkand with new renewable energy agreements, discussions on economic resilience and the release of a major policy report on global value chains.
Central Asian countries are stepping up investment in renewable energy as governments across the region seek to strengthen energy security and prepare for mounting environmental pressures.
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