US Blockade Could Continue ‘Indefinitely’, Hegseth Warns Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Washington: The tension between Iran and America is not showing any signs of decreasing. Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that the US Navy can continue the naval blockade of Iranian ports for a long time if necessary. He said that the US Navy has sufficient capacity to maintain this operation through the rotation system of ships.

Hegseth made this statement while talking to reporters in Panama City on Thursday. His statement has come at a time when tension between America and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz is continuously increasing.

Will America continue the blockade on Hormuz for a long time?

According to Pete Hegseth, the US Navy has the ability to extend the blockade of Iranian ports as needed. He indicated that America could continue this campaign for a long time by rotating different naval ships.

Hegseth said the US has substantial naval forces in the region and is capable of maintaining the blockade by moving its ships.

The statement came after Trump's claim of 'complete control' on Hormuz

This statement of the US defence minister comes after President Donald Trump's claim in which he talked about America's complete control over the Strait of Hormuz. After Trump's statement, Iran rejected it.

Iran says that any decision related to Hormuz will depend on its conditions and circumstances. Tehran has also reiterated its position on keeping the waterway closed amid US claims.

What happened to the talks between America and Iran?

There is a possibility of talks between America and Iran on reopening of the strategic waterway. However, no agreement has yet been reached between the two countries so that normal traffic can be restored in Hormuz.

The Pentagon is continuously emphasising maintaining a strong US naval presence in the region. Hegseth also said that the US Navy can advance its current strategy if necessary.

What did Iran say about American claims?

Iran's Persian Gulf States Authority (PGSA) has refuted US claims on social media platform X. The Iranian side says that the statements of US officials do not change the situation on the ground and Hormuz will not be opened until Tehran's conditions are accepted.

Iran's stance has prolonged the crisis. It is also having a direct impact on international trade and maritime transport.

What effect is the closure of Hormuz having on the world?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Any prolonged disruption here can have an impact on crude oil supply, energy markets and international shipping.

Due to the current tension, many commercial ships have changed their sea routes. Keeping security in mind, companies are using alternative routes. This may increase both travel time and transportation costs.

Can any way be found through talks?

At present, military pressure and diplomatic efforts are going on simultaneously between the two sides. On one hand America is talking about maintaining its naval strength, while on the other hand Iran is sticking to its conditions for opening Hormuz.

In such a situation, the direction of talks will be very important in the coming days. If a temporary agreement is agreed upon between the two countries, maritime trade may get relief. But at present the situation in the Hormuz crisis remains extremely sensitive and uncertain.