# US can keep Iran naval blockade indefinitely, says Hegseth

2026-08-13T19:40:34+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US Navy can maintain its blockade of Iran indefinitely by rotating ships in and out of the region. He spoke in Panama after visiting the USS Gridley. The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz is deepening, with Iran refusing to reopen the waterway until sanctions are lifted and assets released. Tensions escalated after attacks on two Abu Dhabi National Oil Company vessels, which the UAE blamed on Iran. The International Energy Agency now expects global oil supply to fall by 4.3 million barrels a day. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signalled more sanctions. Trump insists the US has 'total control' of the strait, but Iran continues to target commercial shipping.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-can-maintain-naval-blockade-of-iran-indefinitely-says-pete-hegseth-11906985>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/hegseth-says-us-can-maintain-iran-blockade-indefinitely-as-strait-of-hormuz-standoff-deepens-11786640504091.html>
- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/hormuz-tensions-rise-as-us-signals-long-term-blockade-of-iran-2970855-2026-08-14?utm_source=rss>

Tags: Iran blockade, midterms, oil supplies, Pete Hegseth, Strait of Hormuz, US Navy
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