US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that the ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will continue “as long as it takes,” while stressing overwhelming American military superiority.
Addressing Iranian military leadership, Hegseth said: “We are watching you… this is ‘not a fair fight’,” adding that US forces are “locked and loaded” and targeting Iran’s “critical dual-use infrastructure,” “power generation,” and “energy industry.”
He warned that while Washington would prefer restraint, it is “ready to go at the command of our president and at the push of a button.”
Hegseth also issued a piece of advice, saying the new regime should “choose wisely” in negotiations, asserting that the US military is “reloading” and can act instantly if required.
He said that the US preferred to go forward in the “nice way”, through a deal led by Vice-President JD Vance and the negotiating team. Hegseth said it can also be done the “hard way”.
He reiterated Washington’s position that Iran will “never” be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, “the ‘nice way’ or the ‘hard way’.”
Defending the blockade, Hegseth said it is being enforced with “less than ‘10%’” of US naval power, dismissing any Iranian threat to commercial shipping as “piracy,” not control.
Hegseth noted that Iran’s “motivation” for maintaining the ceasefire appears “very high,” despite degraded command structures. He also pointed out that Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have so far stayed out of the conflict, calling it a “good decision.”
The operation targets vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, confirmed that US forces are prepared to resume combat “at literally a moment’s notice.” He said 13 ships have already made the “wise choice” to turn back after US warnings, with no need so far for boarding actions.
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said the current ceasefire window is being used to refine “tactics, techniques and procedures,” while reinforcing coordination with regional allies.
He described Israel as having “no better teammate” in achieving repeated military objectives alongside the US.
Since Monday, the US has enforced a naval blockade on all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports.
Caine detailed the warning being given to commercial vessels in breach of the blockade, which reads:
“Turn around or prepare to be boarded. If you do comply with this blockade, we will use force.”
