The United States has warned that a naval blockade against Iran could be maintained indefinitely. Washington also announced plans to further increase economic pressure.
On Thursday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told reporters that the US military possesses the capability to maintain a naval presence in the region to enforce the blockade on Iran. This blockade has already caused significant damage to Iran’s economy.
Speaking during a visit to Panama, Hegseth said, “The US Navy can continue this type of blockade indefinitely, as we are regularly intercepting ships and will continue to do so in the future.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US plans to further intensify economic pressure on Iran.
In an interview on Newsmax’s *Rob Schmitt Tonight*, he said, “More announcements regarding this will be made next week. Stay tuned. We are about to impose a level of economic pressure on Iran that has never been applied against any other country.”
Iran is also attempting to increase pressure on the US following the collapse of a potential agreement in June aimed at ending the conflict. Tehran is using its control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as leverage. Before the conflict began, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through this crucial waterway. Iran has already attacked several vessels attempting to transit the strait.
On Thursday evening, the UAE’s state news agency, WAM, reported that two vessels belonging to the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE government condemned the incident, attributing the attack to Iran.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is facing domestic pressure to end the war. The conflict has become widely unpopular. Rising fuel prices are also impacting Trump’s popularity, potentially making it difficult for his party to retain control of Congress in the upcoming November midterm elections. #usa#USNews#Iran#Iranian
