US Maintains Naval Blockade on Iran, Pledges Escalated Sanctions
US says it can keep naval blockade on Iran ‘indefinitely,’ vows ‘never seen’ economic measures
The United States said Thursday it can sustain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely while implementing unprecedented economic sanctions, according to statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Hegseth told reporters during a Panama visit that the U.S. military can maintain a continuous naval presence in the region by rotating ships. Bessent announced plans for additional financial measures, stating the administration would apply sanctions "like have never been seen in the history of economic isolation on a country."
The declarations come as ceasefire negotiations have stalled, global oil supplies tighten, and regional tensions escalate. In response, Iran has sought leverage by asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz. A tentative June agreement to end regional conflict has reportedly collapsed.
