US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has vowed that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue “as long as it takes,” warning that Washington remains “locked and loaded” to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure if necessary.
Hegseth:
As our negotiators have said, you, Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran.
In the meantime, and for as long as it takes, we will maintain this blockade, successful blockade. But if Iran chooses poorly? Then… pic.twitter.com/G73AcGVGOO
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 16, 2026
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Hegseth struck a firm tone while the tenuous ceasefire — agreed last week — continues to hold. He said the US military is closely monitoring Iranian movements during the pause and is prepared to resume operations if Tehran does not comply.
“We are reloading with more power than ever before… even more importantly, better intelligence than ever before,” he said, adding that any Iranian movement toward critical infrastructure would be met with force.
Hegseth also reiterated that the US prefers a diplomatic solution, offering Iran what he called a “golden bridge” to a prosperous future. However, he warned that failure to reach a deal would result in continued blockade and potential strikes on power plants and energy facilities.
The comments come days after US-Iran talks in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough. A second round of negotiations is reportedly under discussion, with Pakistan continuing its mediation role.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned that the US blockade violates the ceasefire and could trigger retaliation. Iranian officials have said they will not allow any exports or imports in the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, or Red Sea if the blockade persists.
On the diplomatic front, a Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to help coordinate further talks. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that Tehran does not seek war but dialogue, while stressing that any attempt to impose terms by force will fail.
The US blockade, which began on Monday, aims to cut off Iran’s maritime trade and pressure Tehran on key issues including the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear programme.
Hegseth also dismissed reports that China might supply weapons to Iran, saying Washington had received assurances from Beijing that this would not happen.
The Pentagon chief used part of the briefing to criticise US media coverage of the war, calling it “incredibly unpatriotic.”
The situation remains fluid, with both military posturing and diplomatic efforts continuing in parallel as the fragile ceasefire approaches its midway point.
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