US forces in the Middle East are ready to resume combat operations if Iran does not agree to a peace agreement, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a briefing at the Pentagon, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
"Iran can choose a prosperous future and be a "golden bridge". "We hope he does it for his people," Hegseth said. He warned that a blockade and strikes on infrastructure and the energy sector would follow if a deal was not made. As part of its increased pressure on Tehran, the US military has imposed a naval blockade targeting all ships trying to enter or leave Iran. Hegseth, addressing the Iranian leadership, said: "This is not a fair fight, and we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them." He also said China had assured the United States that it would not send weapons to Iran. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Kaine said that ships flying the Iranian flag or providing "material support" to Iran would be pursued. of the country.
Kane explained that ships that try to break the blockade will be intercepted and warned that if they refuse to comply "force will be used", with the measures being applied both in Iranian territorial waters and in international waters.
The US Navy also announced an expansion of the blockade to include cargoes designated as contraband. These include weapons, ammunition, nuclear materials, as well as crude and refined petroleum and metals such as iron, steel and aluminum.
The Navy warned that all suspicious vessels could be intercepted, boarded, searched and seized, regardless of their location.
"US forces are prepared to resume large-scale combat operations literally at a moment", said Dan Kane.
Thirteen ships have already chosen to change course rather than try to break through the blockade, he said, adding that so far not a single vessel has been inspected.