US Defense Chief: Maritime Blockade Against Iran Expanding... Era of Free Riding for Europe and Asia Is Over

"Since the Start of the Maritime Blockade Against Iran, 34 Vessels Have Turned Back"

Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, stated on the 24th (local time) in relation to the maritime blockade against Iran, "The United States is enforcing an increasingly stronger and more impenetrable blockade, stretching from the Gulf of Oman to international waters, with each passing day."

At a military briefing held at the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. on this day, Secretary Hegseth added that since the implementation of the blockade, a total of 34 vessels either from Iran or traveling to Iranian ports have turned back.

Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, is answering questions from the press at a joint press conference held on the afternoon of the 4th at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, after concluding the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) between South Korea and the United States. Photo by Joint Press Corps

He continued, "The blockade is expanding and is now extending globally," and added, "Because of these blockade measures, time is not on Iran's side."

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's order to sink any vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, he commented, "We will act without hesitation, just as we do with drug-smuggling ships in the Caribbean."

Secretary Hegseth emphasized, "Iran knows there is still an opportunity to make a wise choice at the negotiating table," and added, "What they must do is give up nuclear weapons in a meaningful and verifiable way."

He also said, "This fight is not one the United States has to shoulder alone," and continued, "Europe and Asia have benefited from our protection for decades, but the era of free riding is over now."

He stated, "The United States and the free world deserve allies who are competent, loyal, and understand that an alliance is not a one-way street but a two-way relationship."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.