US EditionHegseth says U.S. is 'locked and loaded' if Iran talks fail
Hegseth said 13 ships turned back as U.S. forces warned they are ready to resume combat if Iran rejects a deal.
- On Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the U.S. is "locked and loaded" to strike Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure if no peace deal emerges, while the blockade continues enforcing restrictions since Monday.
- President Donald Trump's administration imposed the blockade to force Iran to accept U.S. terms for ending the war launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, including opening the Strait of Hormuz for global oil exports.
- The U.S. Navy forced 14 ships to turn around and warned Thursday that vessels are "subject to belligerent right to visit and search" for contraband including weapons, ammunition, and crude oil products.
- Amid threats from Tehran to sink ships, General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated American forces are "ready to resume major combat operations at literally a moment's notice."
- Iranian leadership must "choose wisely" as the ceasefire expires next week, Hegseth warned, though analysts suggest Tehran could withstand a complete halt in oil exports for up to two months before production cuts.
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116 Articles
Iran has denounced the U.S. blockade as a violation of international law and ensured that its Armed Forces are fully prepared for full defense.
Hegseth urges Iran to make deal, but U.S. ‘locked and loaded’
OAN Staff Chloe Hauxwell 2:48 PM – Thursday, April 16, 2026 The Pentagon has given an update on military operations in the Middle East amid the ongoing ceasefire with Iran. On Thursday, War Secretary Pete Hegseth sent a warning to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and regime leadership…
Hegseth Warns Iran To 'Choose Wisely,' But Gulf Officials Brace For 6-Month Slog To Reach Deal: What Do P
Pentagon demands Iran "choose wisely" while Gulf officials brace for a six-month deal. Polymarket is siding with the Gulf. What it means for XOM, CVX.
Hegseth Says US 'Locked and Loaded' To Bomb Iran's Power Plants and Energy Industry - News From Antiwar.com
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday started a press briefing by threatening that the US was "locked and loaded" and ready to destroy Iran's energy infrastructure if the US-Israeli war against Iran restarts. "We are locked and loaded on your critical dual-use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation,…
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