Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a press briefing at the Pentagon, warned Iran to “choose wisely” or face U.S. forces “maximally postured” to resume their attacks. The American blockade of Iran will continue as long as necessary, he said.
Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, said at the same briefing that the U.S. military will “actively pursue” dark-fleet vessels that are helping Iran, even if they are outside of the Persian Gulf.
The U.S. earlier announced an expansion of its blockade. Ships sanctioned by the U.S. will now be subject to boarding, search and seizure under the blockade of Iranian ports, according to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Until now, the blockade that went into effect Monday had covered only ships sailing to and from Iranian ports.
Meanwhile, efforts to arrange a second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran continued as regional mediators pushed to extend the cease-fire. Pakistan, a central mediator, said no date had yet been set for the negotiations. Both sides have agreed in principle to meet, officials familiar with the matter said. Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the U.S. delegation again in any high-level talks.
Israel’s military wants to retain its hold on a deep security buffer zone inside southern Lebanon in the event of a cease-fire with Hezbollah militants.
Trump said on Truth Social that he is “trying to get a little breathing room” between Israel and Lebanon and that the leaders will speak on Thursday for the first time.
Most cargo ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz in recent days have used a route mandated by Iran, data show.