The US Secretary of Defense has made a starling claim on the Iran war. (Image X @MattooShashank)
Washington: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has issued a highly startling statement. He described the ongoing conflict with Iran as a "gift to the world". He stated that the US blockade imposed on Iranian vessels would remain in effect until the threat posed by Iran is completely eliminated. However, amidst this, a significant reality has come to light: Iran is circumventing this blockade through deceptive means and has continued to sell its oil.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was speaking to journalists on Friday at the Pentagon—the headquarters of the US Department of Defense. He asserted that the ongoing conflict with Iran is a "gift to the world." His implication was that weakening Iran serves the best interests of the entire global community.
He described this US mission as "bold and dangerous," yet essential. He made it clear that the blockade imposed on Iranian vessels would not be lifted until the US objective is fully achieved.
A major complication has emerged in this regard. Data used to track ship locations reveals that Iran is still successfully managing to sell its oil. Lloyd's List Intelligence, a maritime information provider, reported that the movement of a "shadow fleet"—vessels operating clandestinely—continues unabated in the Gulf region. Since April 13, at least 11 such tankers loaded with Iranian oil have departed from the Gulf of Oman. Another maritime intelligence firm, named Windward, reported this week that the movement of Iranian vessels is continuing "through deceptive means."
Iran is evading the US blockade through two primary methods. The first method involves falsifying GPS or tracking data. The vessel remains at its actual physical location, yet its reported location appears elsewhere. This tactic prevents the US Navy from identifying and tracking them. The second method involves passing through Pakistan's maritime territory. Under international law, a foreign navy cannot directly enter another country's territorial waters. Consequently, Iranian vessels transit through Pakistani waters, leaving the United States powerless to intervene.
On one hand, the United States claims that the blockade has been successful, citing the interception of 34 vessels. Yet, on the other hand, Iranian oil continues to reach the global market surreptitiously. This suggests that the blockade is not entirely effective, and Iran has devised novel methods to circumvent it.
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