US Defense Chief Urges Iran to Return to Talks Amid Expanding Naval Blockade
WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that Iran still has an opportunity to return to the negotiating table, warning that failure to do so could result in increased pressure from the United States.
Speaking at a Pentagon news briefing, Hegseth stated that the US has expanded its naval blockade of Iranian ports to a global scale, aiming to prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
He claimed that US forces have so far intercepted and turned back 34 vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports, adding that operations have intensified in recent days.
The defense chief also said that US forces had seized two vessels linked to Iran’s so-called “dark fleet” in the Indo-Pacific region, even though they had departed before the formal start of the blockade.
Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a Pentagon press briefing on Friday that "our blockade is only growing and going global" and that Iran "will never get a nuclear bomb." https://t.co/DmZ3cm2vkf pic.twitter.com/YNpkVoxNNo
— ABC News (@ABC) April 24, 2026
Hegseth noted that a second US aircraft carrier is being deployed to strengthen the blockade, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz is under US control and that no vessel would be allowed to pass without authorization.
He reiterated that Iran must abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons, describing it as the key condition for de-escalation. “The ball is now in Iran’s court,” he said, adding that the US is prepared to sustain pressure over the long term if necessary.
Hegseth also criticized European countries, saying the US is not relying on Europe despite the region’s dependence on energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He urged European nations to take the issue more seriously.
Responding to questions, he warned that any attempt by Iran to lay additional naval mines would be dealt with firmly, calling such actions a direct violation of ceasefire conditions.
