Hegseth Warns Iran, Criticizes Allies, and Announces Expanded US Naval Blockade in Hormuz Strait

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized European and Asian nations for benefiting from U.S. Efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz without contributing to the costs or risks, asserting that the American-led blockade of Iranian ports will continue “as long as it takes” to pressure Tehran into negotiations.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth accused allies of “free-riding” on U.S. Military operations in the vital waterway, which has seen limited commercial traffic resume despite ongoing risks from Iranian mine-laying efforts. He emphasized that U.S. Naval forces remain prepared to use lethal force against any vessels attempting to disrupt shipping in the strait.

If Iran is putting mines in the water or otherwise threatening commercial shipping, we will shoot to destroy—no hesitation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Hegseth described the U.S. Naval blockade as “ironclad” and “growing and going global,” stating that ships linked to Iranian ports are being turned away or seized. He confirmed that every vessel meeting U.S. Criteria has been turned around, reinforcing a policy of “nothing in, nothing out” through the Strait of Hormuz.

We are reloading with more power than ever before … even more importantly, better intelligence than ever before.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

The defense secretary noted that while some commercial traffic has resumed, it remains limited and risky due to ongoing threats from Iran. U.S. Forces are actively clearing Iranian mines from key shipping lanes to maintain the waterway’s openness, he said.

Nothing in, nothing out.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Hegseth framed the military campaign, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” as having delivered “rapid and decisive results” and now entering a new phase aimed at compelling Iran to negotiate over its nuclear program. He called the mission “a gift to the world” and urged Tehran to accept “a good deal, a wise deal.”

This is a bold and dangerous mission… Iran now faces an important choice to strike a good deal, a wise deal.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

He reiterated that the United States prefers a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, which began with U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, but remains prepared to escalate pressure on Iran’s energy infrastructure and dual-use facilities if necessary.

You, Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

The blockade, initially announced by President Donald Trump after failed talks in Pakistan, targets Iran’s ports in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf. Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. Is monitoring Iranian military movements during a tenuous pause in fighting that has continued through early April 2026.