Ironclad Hormuz blockade to continue until Iran gives up nuke dreams, says Hegseth

The US-Iran stand-off over the key waterway has deepened uncertainty over talks in Islamabad as Tehran insists the blockade must be lifted.

In Short

• US turns back 34 ships, intensifies enforcement across key waterways
• Hegseth declares “nothing in, nothing out” for Iranian ports
• Iran tensions rise as talks uncertain and sanctions pressure increases

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has declared that Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is "ironclad" and will continue "as long as it takes," underscoring a hardening US stance amid escalating tensions with Iran and uncertain prospects for renewed diplomacy, USA Today reported.

Speaking at a Pentagon news conference on Friday, Hegseth made clear that the US intends to maintain maximum pressure until Tehran abandons its nuclear ambitions.

"We are in control. Nothing in, nothing out," he said, referring to the sweeping restrictions on Iranian ports and maritime traffic.

He framed the operation as central to Washington’s broader security objectives, describing it as a "bold and dangerous" mission aimed at eliminating what he called Iran’s threat to global stability.

Hegseth also accused Iran of destabilising maritime security, saying the country was acting like "a gang of pirates" after seizing two container ships earlier this week using small, fast boats armed with rifles.

The Pentagon chief warned that such actions were increasing risks in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, where traffic has already slowed significantly due to the ongoing standoff.

Doubling down on the scope of the operation, Hegseth said the blockade is expanding beyond the Gulf.

"Our blockade is growing and going global," he told reporters, adding, "No one sails from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy".

He went further to describe the US campaign as a "gift to the world," arguing that it ultimately protects international trade and security.

Standing alongside him, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine detailed enforcement actions, noting that 34 vessels had been turned back since the blockade began on April 13.

He also described a recent operation in which US forces disabled an Iranian-flagged ship that ignored orders, firing precision rounds into its engine room before Marines boarded it by helicopter.

"The ship and its crew remain safe in US custody today," Caine said, adding that American forces are prepared to intercept vessels across the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Despite the tight enforcement, maritime intelligence suggests that some Iranian oil shipments continue through alternative routes, highlighting the challenges of fully sealing off the region.

Still, the US is intensifying economic pressure alongside military action. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that Washington will not renew sanctions waivers that previously allowed limited Iranian and Russian oil shipments, declaring, "We have the blockade, and there’s no oil coming out".

The developments come as diplomatic efforts remain fragile. Talks between the US and Iran, which collapsed earlier this month, may resume in Islamabad, with intermediaries attempting to bridge differences.

Hegseth signalled little urgency from Washington, echoing President Donald Trump by saying the US has “all the time in the world” while urging Iran to return to negotiations.

"All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways," he said, adding that "the ball is in Tehran’s court".

At the same time, Hegseth criticised US allies, particularly in Europe and Asia, for not contributing more to securing the vital waterway.

He said these nations were "free-riding" despite relying heavily on oil shipments through Hormuz, urging them to move beyond "fancy conferences" and take a more active role on the ground.

Iran, however, has linked any future negotiations to the lifting of the blockade, calling it an act of aggression and warning that continued restrictions could derail diplomatic progress.

With both sides maintaining firm positions and military activity intensifying in the region, the standoff risks prolonging disruptions to global energy markets and maritime trade.

As the blockade enters its second week, Washington shows no signs of easing its approach, signalling that pressure on Tehran will persist even as diplomatic channels remain open but uncertain.

- Ends
With agency inputs