The United States has warned of a sustained blockade on Iranian ports, threatening to renew strikes on the country if Tehran refuses to make a deal.
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth said the military could blockade Iran's ports for 'as long as it takes', warning that if Iran chooses poorly, they will face a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power, and energy.
General Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, said the blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports, and that the US military will use force if any vessels do not comply.
So far, 13 ships have made the wise choice of turning around, Caine added.
The US blockade of Iranian ports began on Monday, after peace talks with Iran in Islamabad failed to produce any decisive outcome.
Hegseth also warned Tehran that the US is aware of Iran's alleged movements of its military assets, saying 'we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to.'
A second round of US-Iran talks is likely, with Pakistan army chief Asim Munir set to meet Iranian officials in Tehran, but the timing of these negotiations remains uncertain.
