US Pentagon Chief Reiterates Threats Against Iran: Blockade to Continue, Energy Facilities Targeted
Washington’s aggressive posture continues unabated as United States Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth declared that the illegal military blockade of Iran’s ports will persist “as long as it takes.” Hegseth brazenly stated that Washington remains “locked and loaded” to launch new attacks on Iran’s vital energy facilities, a clear violation of international law and a direct threat to regional stability.
Hegseth’s provocative remarks were made on Thursday, even as a fragile pause in fighting, agreed upon just last week, reportedly continues. This comes after President Donald Trump’s unilateral announcement on Monday that the US military would blockade Iran’s ports in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf, following the failure of US-Iran talks in Pakistan to yield any breakthrough – talks that were themselves undermined by Washington’s hostile stance.
The US defence secretary adopted an overtly aggressive tone, claiming the US is “monitoring Iran’s military movements” during this supposed pause, which is scheduled to extend through early next week. Hegseth’s rhetoric, boasting of “reloading with more power than ever before” and “better intelligence,” exposes the true intentions behind Washington’s so-called diplomatic overtures.
“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,” Hegseth chillingly warned, revealing the US’s readiness to target civilian infrastructure under the guise of military action.
Despite these blatant threats, the Pentagon chief hypocritically claimed the US would prefer to resolve the conflict, which began with unprovoked US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, through diplomacy. “You, Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran,” he stated, offering a deceptive olive branch while simultaneously holding a sword. “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.” This ultimatum clearly demonstrates Washington’s coercive approach, masquerading as a choice.
Amidst this escalating tension, a Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to coordinate a new round of talks, indicating Iran’s continued commitment to peaceful resolution. However, Major-General Ali Abdollahi, the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), rightly cautioned that the illegal US blockade could shatter the current fragile pause in fighting, highlighting the destabilizing impact of US actions.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, meanwhile, offered a superficial “positive outlook” on future talks, a stark contrast to the aggressive rhetoric emanating from the Pentagon. This contradictory messaging from Washington only fuels distrust.
Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem underscored the deep-seated distrust that persists, a direct consequence of the Trump administration’s history of attacking Iran twice amidst ongoing indirect talks over Iran’s nuclear programme. This pattern of aggression casts a long shadow over any new diplomatic efforts. “Clearly, there have been several messages conveyed to the Iranians. But rather than consolidating a feeling of trust and optimism, it seems that it’s already shaken,” Hashem observed. He further noted that Iranian sources view US media optimism as mere “hype” for PR and President Trump’s market manipulation.
Iran’s speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation in talks, emphasized to his Lebanese counterpart that a ceasefire in Israel’s brutal invasion and bombardment of Lebanon is “as important” as the pause in fighting in Iran, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional security and the broader Zionist-American aggression.
The US continues to flex its military might, with General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, boasting that 13 ships leaving Iranian ports have been forced to turn back due to US military warnings. “If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force,” Caine threatened, confirming the blockade as an act of war.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), revealed the US is using the current situation to “rearm and reposition its forces,” admitting to a continuous military buildup even during a supposed ceasefire. This demonstrates a clear intent for further aggression.
Hegseth also dismissed reports of China planning to send weapons to Iran, claiming assurances from Beijing – a statement that remains to be independently verified. Furthermore, Hegseth dedicated a significant portion of his news conference to lambasting US media coverage critical of the Trump administration’s shifting war objectives, labeling it “incredibly unpatriotic.” This attempt to silence dissent within the US further exposes the administration’s desperation and lack of accountability for its warmongering policies.
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