US says it can keep naval blockade on Iran 'indefinitely,' vows more economic pressure
The move follows stalled ceasefire talks and is backed by more than 20 warships, while the U.S. says it has redirected over 55 vessels.
- On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S. will subject Iran to economic isolation "like the world has never seen before," combining financial pressure with a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Contrasting with earlier remarks from Aug. 4, when Bessent suggested an agreement with Tehran to reopen the Strait could be reached within days, the administration has adopted a significantly tougher posture.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters late Thursday that the military will maintain the naval blockade of Iran "indefinitely," with the Navy rotating ships to sustain the operation.
- Rep. Mike Levin expressed concerns about supply shortages and "extreme fatigue and burnout" aboard the USS Lincoln, while Hegseth dismissed such reports as "completely misrepresented."
- The USS George Washington is deploying to replace the USS Lincoln, which has been stationed in the Middle East for over 250 days; the strike group departed Vietnam on Aug. 12.
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Treasury Secretary Bessent says U.S. set to deliver unprecedented economic pain on Iran
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says President Trump plans to drastically dial up financial pressure on Iran as the Middle East conflict reverts to an economic war of wills.
U.S. readies unprecedented ‘economic isolation’ plan for Iran
The U.S. will soon announce unprecedented economic measures against Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, intensifying the Trump administration’s effort to force Tehran’s capitulation after almost six months of war.
Washington threatened Iran with unprecedented economic isolation. The tone has therefore changed rapidly, as just ten days ago Scott Bessent mentioned a possible agreement with Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. For the past week, maritime traffic has been at its lowest level. Iran remains firm and indicates that the passage will remain closed until the United States accepts all of Iran's conditions.
While Donald Trump was talking about an imminent agreement to reopen the strategic passage in early August, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened this Thursday, August 13, to impose economic isolation on Iran...
US to intensify economic and military pressure on Iran
Washington signaled it will ramp up economic and military pressure on Tehran, dashing hopes of any imminent respite to the conflict. The US Treasury secretary said he would soon unveil restrictions “that have never been seen,” while the country’s defense chief insisted a naval blockade could be maintained “indefinitely.” Yet signs of strain are apparent: The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington will dispatch an aircraft carrier to reliev…
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