JAKARTA - War Minister (formerly Minister of Defense) Pete Hegseth said on Friday, the United States (US) blockade against Iran is spreading throughout the world, adding that Tehran has the opportunity to make a "good deal" with Washington.
"Our blockade is expanding and becoming global," said the Pentagon chief, launching Al Arabiya and Reuters (24/4).
"No one sails the Strait of Hormuz anywhere in the world without permission from the United States Navy," he claimed.
Standing alongside US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Kaine, Secretary of Defense Hegseth said the US was "not in a rush" to reach an agreement with Iran, and repeated Trump's earlier comments about having "a lot of time in the world."
"Iran knows that they still have the opportunity to choose wisely at the negotiating table. All they need to do is abandon nuclear weapons in a meaningful and verifiable way," he said.
Meanwhile, General Caine said the US Central Command (US CENTCOM) continues to maintain a tight blockade on all ports in Iran.
Thirty-four ships have been turned back as of Friday morning, he said. The US military will continue to intercept Iranian ships in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Caine added.
"We are imposing a full blockade on any ship from any country that transits to or from Iranian ports or territories," General Caine said.
"We are closely tracking the vessels of concern heading to Iran and the vessels away from Iran that are outside the blockade area when this blockade is ordered and... we are ready and in position to intercept them," he said.
Previously, peace talks between Iran and the United States could resume soon in Pakistan, three Pakistani sources told Reuters on Friday, after the last round of talks expected earlier this week failed.
Meanwhile, Iranian government media reported on Friday that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will embark on a trip that includes visits to Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow.
It is known that the US naval blockade of Iran began on April 13. Hegseth also warned that any Iranian attempt to lay mines in the strait would violate the ceasefire.
"Transit (through the Strait of Hormuz) does happen, much more limited than anyone wants and with greater risk than people expect, but that's because Iran does irresponsible things with small and fast boats that carry weapons," said Defense Secretary Hegseth.
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