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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