Hegseth: We will continue the siege of Iran and remain prepared for military escalation

Direct warnings to Iran

Hegseth sent a direct message to the Iranians, saying: They cannot rebuild their capabilities while we are monitoring their infrastructure, adding that he hopes that the United States will not have to destroy Iranian energy facilities.

He also confirmed that Washington knows what military assets are being transferred, indicating close monitoring of Iranian movements in this area.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz

The American minister said that the US Navy controls navigation through the Strait of Hormuz thanks to its naval fleet, adding that Iran no longer has this matter.

He accused Tehran of trying to portray itself as controlling the strait, saying that it does not have a naval fleet that imposes actual control.

Describe the Iranian position and potential escalation

Hegseth described Iranian threats to target commercial ships as not control but piracy, warning that any bad choice on Tehran’s part will be met with a siege and bombs, as he put it, calling on Iran to choose wisely.

He added that Iran is working to re-extract missile launchers that were previously targeted in previous strikes.

Energy file and sanctions

The American minister stressed that the Iranian energy sector has not been destroyed yet, but stressed that the American blockade has effectively halted Iranian oil exports, which increases economic pressure on Tehran.

China will not send weapons

He said that China has assured the United States that it will not send weapons to Iran during the ceasefire period in the Middle East war.