US Vows Indefinite Naval Blockade of Iran, Signals New Economic Measures
The US says it can maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and plans new economic measures, as tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States has said it is prepared to maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, while signaling that additional economic measures against Tehran are imminent. The announcement comes as ceasefire efforts remain stalled and global oil supplies face mounting pressure.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US military can sustain its naval presence in the region by rotating ships in and out, ensuring the blockade remains effective over the long term. He made the remarks during a visit to Panama.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that new financial measures targeting Iran would be announced in the coming week, describing the planned actions as unprecedented in the history of economic isolation. He did not provide specific details.
The developments follow reports that two vessels belonging to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates condemned the incident as an Iranian attack.
Iran has continued to exert pressure by disrupting shipping through the waterway, which carries a significant portion of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. Tehran has stated that it will not allow the strait to reopen until its conditions are met, including the removal of economic sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Shipping traffic through the strait has declined sharply, with only eight vessels recorded on Tuesday compared to a pre-war average of over 130 ships daily.
The US had briefly lifted its blockade in mid-June but reimposed it, cutting off Iran's primary source of hard currency. Washington has said it would lift the blockade once Iran and Oman reach an agreement to restore commercial shipping.
The International Energy Agency has revised its forecast, now predicting global oil supply will fall by 4.3 million barrels per day this year, a steeper decline than previously estimated. Oil prices settled lower on Thursday amid concerns over weaker demand, though reports of an attack on a Saudi Aramco refinery by Yemen's Houthis renewed fears of a wider regional conflict.
President Donald Trump faces domestic pressure over the war, with high fuel prices affecting his approval ratings ahead of midterm elections. He has repeatedly asserted US control over the strait, a claim Iran has denied.
Hegseth declined to comment on whether the April ceasefire declaration was a mistake, stating only that the US is doing what is necessary to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.