Hegseth On Iran: "We Have Capability, Will, & Patience To Maintain Blockade Indefinitely"

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told Congress on Thursday that the United States is prepared to maintain its economic blockade of Iran indefinitely, stating the U.S. Military possesses the resources and resolve to sustain the operation without time constraints.

During defense budget hearings, Hegseth outlined how the naval blockade can persist through continuous rotation of naval vessels while preserving regional military strength. "We can hold this blockade as long as needed. Indefinitely, the US Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out as we have and will continue to. No other nation on earth, no other navy on earth has the capability to have a 'wall of steel' like the US Navy, and then the willingness to use it, as we have."

According to Hegseth, the blockade aims to gradually erode Iran's economy as part of a long-term strategy. "We have the capability, the will, and the patience" To let the blockade wear down Iran's economy, he stated.

Hegseth also noted that the blockade effort has expanded to include additional countries beyond the United States. He indicated that while the administration continues pursuing diplomatic channels, military options remain available. "If diplomacy fails, we are ready to strike," He said.