US vows to sustain Iran blockade despite fragile ceasefire

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has signalled that Washington intends to keep its military blockade of Iran in place indefinitely, even as diplomatic efforts continue during a temporary pause in fighting.

Speaking on Thursday, Hegseth made clear that the US sees the blockade as a central pressure tool following the breakdown of talks in Pakistan earlier this week. President Donald Trump had announced the move on Monday, targeting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf after negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough.

The tone from the Pentagon remains forceful. “We are reloading with more power than ever before … even more importantly, better intelligence than ever before,” Hegseth said.

“As you expose yourself with your movement to our watchful eye, we are locked and loaded on your critical dual-use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation and on your energy industry,” he added.

The statements come during a tenuous ceasefire agreed last week, which is expected to hold through early next week. While the pause has reduced immediate hostilities, it has not eased underlying tensions.

Hegseth framed the situation as a choice for Tehran, pairing warnings with an offer of negotiation.

“You, Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran,” he said. “In the meantime and for as long as it takes, we will maintain this blockade, successful blockade, but if Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy.”

Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the military pressure. A Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to coordinate a new round of talks, with both sides indicating a willingness to continue negotiations.

However, signals from Iran suggest that the blockade itself could undermine the ceasefire. Major-General Ali Abdollahi warned that the move risks ending the current pause in fighting, highlighting the delicate balance between diplomacy and escalation.

In Washington, officials have struck a more optimistic tone. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the US remains actively engaged.

“At this moment, we remain very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks,” she said.

Iranian officials have also linked the broader conflict dynamics. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said securing a ceasefire in Lebanon is “as important” as maintaining the pause in fighting with Iran, underscoring how interconnected the regional fronts have become.