US can maintain naval blockade on Iran "indefinitely", says War Secretary Hegseth
Panama City, August 14
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday warned of continuing the United States' naval blockade on Iranian ports "indefinitely" and for as long as needed, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Speaking to reporters in Panama City, Hegseth emphasised that the US Navy can keep the blockade in place by rotating ships in and out of the region as required.
"Indefinitely, the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to," he said.
The development comes a day after US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States exercised "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, and that he "will keep it" amid stalled negotiations with Iran regarding the reopening of the strategic conduit.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump asserted, "The USA has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, 'A WALL OF STEEL,' and there is nothing Iran can do about it."
Trump further maintained that Tehran's military infrastructure had been severely degraded, concluding his message with the phrase, "Praise be to Allah!"
"All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300 per cent INFLATION, and it's getting worse! Iran is all talk and no action, and is the Bully of the Middle East No Longer. Praise be to Allah!" he added in the social media post.
However, soon after Trump's remarks, Iran rejected his claims, saying the strategic waterway remains blocked and will not be reopened until Tehran's conditions are accepted.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, in a post on X, said Trump's claims and repeated statements by US officials that the Strait of Hormuz was no longer blocked did not change the situation.
"Claims and repeated posts by US officials that the Strait of Hormuz is no longer blocked do not change the reality: the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran's conditions are accepted," the PGSA said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical chokepoints, where past military standoffs have routinely triggered spikes in international crude prices and fears of broader conflict. The current escalation has already prompted expanded naval patrols, adjustments to shipping routes by commercial carriers, and renewed international calls for diplomatic restraint.
Commercial shipping through the vital corridor currently continues under tight security oversight, though the environment remains highly volatile. Immediate diplomatic attention remains centred on whether negotiations can yield a temporary truce to mitigate the likelihood of armed conflict while keeping maritime trade routes open.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Classic American hubris! One minute they talk about peace and diplomacy, next minute they are flexing their naval muscles in someone's backyard. And that "Praise be to Allah" comment from Trump is just cringe-worthy. Does he even understand the region or its people? India should raise this issue at the UN and call for restraint.
"Total control" and "wall of steel" - these are just words. The reality is that regional powers and international law matter. We've seen this movie before in Iraq and Afghanistan. It doesn't end well. India should be prepared for global oil supply shocks and start diversifying our energy sources urgently. NATO and America don't understand the nuances of the Persian Gulf politics.
🚢 While the world watches this power play, India's foreign ministry needs to be working overtime. We have millions of our citizens working in the Gulf! If things escalate, their safety is at risk. Also, our strategic oil reserves should be full, not half-empty. The government must act proactively.
Honestly, the US has made this region messier than ever. As an Indian, I don't see why we should support a blockade that disrupts global trade. Iran is being squeezed, but the ripple effects hurt neutral countries like us. The Chabahar port project and INSTC corridor become even more crucial now for India's energy security.
As an Indian-American, I see both sides. The US has legitimate security concerns, but endless military posturing isn't the answer. Trump's comments are meant for domestic politics, but they have global consequences.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.