US Defense Secretary: Indefinite blockade against Iran

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States could maintain its naval blockade of Iran “indefinitely,” stressing that the operation would continue as long as Washington deems it necessary rather than according to a set timetable.

14 August, 2026 20:48

NEWS DESK

Speaking to reporters in Panama while attending a multinational military exercise closing ceremony, Hegseth said US naval forces could maintain their deployment in the Gulf to enforce the blockade on Iran.

Hegseth said the US Navy was capable of maintaining the blockade “indefinitely,” explaining that this would be achieved by rotating ships in and out of the region under the system currently used by US forces.

The US defense secretary stressed that the blockade against Iran was not subject to a specific time limit, saying Washington would continue the operation “as long as necessary.”

From July 8 to 23, the US military carried out several attacks on Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attacks came in response to Iran targeting commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, the Iranian military launched strikes against US bases in several countries across the region.

Tehran, meanwhile, accused Washington of violating a ceasefire memorandum signed between the two countries.

ANHA