US Naval Blockade on Iran Tightens as Washington Escalates Pressure Over Nuclear Deal and Oil Shipments

WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday said its expanding naval blockade of Iran is intensifying rapidly, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warning that Tehran now faces a clear choice between agreeing to a nuclear deal or risking deepening economic collapse under sustained American pressure.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth described “Operation Epic Fury” as a mission that has already produced decisive military outcomes within weeks. He contrasted the operation with past U.S. conflicts that lasted for years without clear results, emphasizing that the current objective remains firm: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Hegseth said the U.S. Navy is enforcing what he called an “ironclad blockade” stretching from the Gulf of Oman into broader international waters. He warned that vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports are being closely monitored and, if found in violation of sanctions or restrictions, are turned away. As of Friday morning, 34 non-Iranian vessels had been permitted to pass after complying with U.S. directives, while others were denied transit. He added that a second aircraft carrier is expected to join the operation soon, further strengthening enforcement capabilities.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Caine, underscored that U.S. forces are prepared to use force when necessary. He cited a recent maritime interdiction in which a large container vessel ignored repeated warnings. After other measures failed, U.S. Central Command authorized disabling fire, with forces targeting the ship’s engine room before Marines boarded and seized control. The vessel and its crew are currently in U.S. custody and reported safe. The Pentagon also confirmed multiple interdictions of ships carrying sanctioned Iranian oil in regions including the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean. Caine stated that such operations will continue as part of a broader global enforcement effort.

Hegseth added that the blockade is expanding worldwide and asserted strong U.S. control over key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. He also warned of potential lethal action against Iranian vessels laying naval mines and called on allies, especially in Europe, to take a more active role in safeguarding global shipping lanes. (IANS)

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