Washington, D.C., United States – Web Desk: U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced plans to expand naval operations targeting Iran, including the deployment of an additional aircraft carrier in the coming days.
Speaking at a joint Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said the United States would continue and intensify maritime restrictions, describing the current blockade as “strengthening with each passing day.” He added that operations would remain in place as long as deemed necessary by the U.S. administration.
The defence secretary reiterated Washington’s position that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, while also stating that Tehran still has an opportunity to reach a negotiated agreement.
Hegseth said the U.S. maintains operational control in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, and emphasized that vessels transiting the area would be subject to U.S. conditions. He also noted that U.S. forces had been authorized to act against any vessels involved in laying naval mines.
Addressing broader geopolitical implications, Hegseth said the situation should not be viewed as solely a U.S. conflict, highlighting that countries in Europe and Asia rely heavily on energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
He further claimed that Iran had seized vessels in the region, describing them as non-aligned ships not linked to the United States or Israel.
The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions, with growing concerns over maritime security, global energy routes, and the risk of escalation in the Middle East.
