On Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that “ultimately, Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” describing the mission as a “gift to the world.” He claimed that a “decisive military outcome” had been achieved within just a few weeks in Iran, comparing the operation to prolonged conflicts such as Vietnam and Iraq. Hegseth stated that the mission is now entering a new phase and that Iran still has an opportunity to reach a “good and intelligent deal.”
Referring to the U.S. Navy’s blockade on Iranian ports, he said the “ironclad” restriction is becoming increasingly strict and is being enforced “without hesitation or apology.” According to him, every vessel that meets U.S. criteria—whether Iranian or bound for Iranian ports—falls under the blockade, with 34 ships already turned back, while some non-Iranian vessels have been allowed to pass.
He also confirmed that two Iranian “dark fleet” vessels were seized in the Indo-Pacific region this week, warning that more seizures would follow. Hegseth further stated that no one would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without U.S. permission.
Commenting on recent incidents involving Iranian vessels, he described them as “disorganized actions,” adding that small boats and limited weapons would not change the situation. He also said the United States is not under time pressure regarding any agreement, but Iran still has a window to make a “verifiable and meaningful decision” to abandon nuclear weapons.
Hegseth added that, under President Donald Trump’s directive, the U.S. Navy has been instructed to destroy any fast boats attempting to lay mines or disrupt navigation in the strait, emphasizing there would be “no hesitation.” He concluded by warning that any attempt to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of ceasefire terms and would be met with a strong response.
No ship will pass through Strait of Hormuz without US permission: Hegseth
