‘Make bad choices and face blockade, bombs’: Pete Hegseth warns Iran over Hormuz crisis
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US Secretary of War pete hegseth warned Iran that it faced a choice between accepting a deal or facing a continued blockade and possible military attacks, warning that failure to act could result in “bombing of infrastructure and power and energy.”“Speaking at a Pentagon briefing on Thursday, Hegseth said the blockade would remain in place “as long as necessary” while urging Iran to make the decision “for the betterment” of its people and the world.
He warned that if “Iran makes bad choices, they will impose blockades and bomb infrastructure and power and energy.”Reinforcing the message, General Dan Kaine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, “I would like to emphasize during this pause that the United States joint force is prepared and ready to resume major combat operations,” he said, adding that operations could resume “virtually at a moment’s notice.”The blockade, now in its third day, has already disrupted maritime traffic, with many merchant ships being turned back. The US military says it has established complete control over shipping linked to Iranian ports as part of efforts to isolate the country’s economy by cutting off key trade routes. Military officials said they are maintaining a high level of readiness to enforce compliance.Kane clarified that the restrictions are comprehensive. “Let me be clear: this blockade applies to all vessels bound for or originating from Iranian ports, regardless of nationality,” he said. He described the move as “a blockade of Iran’s ports and coastline, not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz”, which is being implemented in both Iran’s territorial waters and international waters.Hegseth described the current approach as measured and said, “This blockade is a polite way to move forward.”Highlighting economic pressures, Hegseth said Iran’s energy sector is already being affected, noting that “the energy industry has not yet been destroyed,” with “exports being shut down due to the US blockade” significantly limiting oil revenues. He said the United States was “maximizing economic pressure” through fiscal measures.“We know what military assets you have transferred and where you have taken them,” Hegseth said, addressing Iran directly. “You (Iran) don’t have a navy or real domain awareness. You can’t control anything,” Hegseth said.He also stressed that the US is ready for further action, saying the country is “reloading with more force than ever before” and that the message to Iran is clear – “we are watching you.”