WASHINGTON, April 24 (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that a blockade on Iran by the United States is expanding worldwide, stating that Tehran has the opportunity to reach a "good deal...
WASHINGTON, April 24 (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that a blockade on Iran by the United States is expanding worldwide, stating that Tehran has the opportunity to reach a "good deal" with Washington.
"Our blockade is growing and going global," Hegseth told the press.
"No one can sail from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the U.S. Navy's permission," he added.
According to three Pakistani sources, peace talks between Iran and the United States might soon resume in Pakistan, after the previous round of discussions, which was expected earlier this week, did not happen.
While speaking alongside top U.S. General Dan Caine, Hegseth mentioned that the U.S. is "not anxious" to reach a deal with Iran, echoing Trump's earlier remarks that they have "all the time in the world."
"Iran knows they still have an opportunity to make wise choices at the negotiation table. All they need to do is meaningfully and verifiably abandon their nuclear weapon," he stated.
General Caine reported that U.S. Central Command is maintaining a strict blockade on all Iranian ports. As of Friday morning, thirty-four ships had already been turned around. Caine also noted that the U.S. military would continue to intercept Iranian vessels in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.