U.S. Military Update on Iran Blockade

The Pentagon provided a recent update regarding U.S. military operations in the Middle East amid an ongoing ceasefire with Iran.

On Thursday, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Iranian leadership, urging them to pursue a lasting peace agreement.

“We are keeping an eye on your leadership,” Hegseth warned. “Our military capabilities far exceed yours. Keep in mind, this isn’t a level playing field.”

He emphasized that Iran needs to choose between a prosperous future and pursuing nuclear weapons.

“For now, and for as long as it takes, we’ll keep this lockdown in place. It will be effective,” Hegseth stated. “If Iran makes the incorrect decision, it will face consequences, including strikes on its infrastructure and energy resources.”

He pointed out that Iran’s military is currently diminished and reassured that the U.S. is prepared to act if the situation escalates.

Hegseth also dismissed Iran’s claims of controlling the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

“Details regarding this lockdown will be provided by the Speaker later today, but this is a measured approach,” he noted. “Iran, you claim to control the Strait, yet you lack a proper navy or territorial dominion. You really have no actual control.”

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Kaine, confirmed that the blockade affects all vessels, irrespective of their nationality, heading to or from Iranian ports.

“On Monday, April 13, at 10 a.m. ET, the President directed our Joint Forces Command, under Admiral Cooper and the Centcom team, to initiate a blockade of Iran,” Kaine explained. “To clarify, this blockade is directed at all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.”