US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that the economic blockade of Iran will continue "as long as needed."
Hegseth answered questions about the war against Iran from Congress during hearings on the defense budget today (Thursday), noting that "we can hold this blockade as long as needed. Indefinitely, the US Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out as we have and will continue to. No other nation on earth, no other navy on earth has the capability to have a 'wall of steel' like the US Navy, and then the willingness to use it, as we have."
"We have the capability, the will, and the patience" to let the blockade wear down Iran's economy, Hegseth said.
The Secretary of War added that the blockade is "going global" and said that additional countries are participating in the blockade. According to him, the US is prepared to resume military action against Iran if current negotiations fail. "If diplomacy fails, we are ready to strike."