US eyes indefinite Iran naval blockade, vows more economic pressure

In a bid to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Treasury Secretary Bessent threatened to subject Tehran to unprecedented economic sanctions

Hegseth's comments suggest he is advising U.S. President Donald Trump that the U.S. military can keep applying economic pressure on Iran for as long as needed to help so-far failed negotiations to end the conflict, begun in February.

When asked about the fluctuating dynamics of the military engagement and the anticipated post-conflict landscape, Vance expressed conviction in the ultimate result.

Washington has deployed tens of thousands of troops to the Middle East since the war began, including more than 20 warships.