The United States has warned that its naval blockade of Iran could remain in place indefinitely, while Washington also signalled plans to further intensify economic pressure on Tehran.US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters on Thursday that the US military has the capability to maintain a naval presence in the region for as long as necessary to enforce the blockade.Speaking during a visit to Panama, Hegseth said the blockade had already caused significant damage to Iran’s economy.“The US Navy can continue this type of blockade indefinitely because we are regularly stopping ships and will continue to do so in the future,” he said.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also indicated that Washington is preparing additional economic measures against Iran.In an interview with Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight”, Bessent said further announcements would be made next week.“Watch for it, because we are going to put economic pressure on Iran that has never been put on any country before,” he said.Hormuz Strait becomes key pressure pointIran, meanwhile, has been seeking to increase pressure on the United States by maintaining control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.Before the conflict began, nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the waterway.Iran has already attacked several vessels attempting to navigate the strait.On Thursday evening, two vessels owned by the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE’s state news agency WAM reported.The UAE government condemned the incident and blamed Iran for the attack.Trump faces pressure at homeUS President Donald Trump is also facing growing domestic pressure to end the war.The conflict has become increasingly unpopular in the United States, while rising fuel prices are affecting Trump’s approval ratings.The situation could also make it more difficult for his party to retain control of Congress in the midterm elections scheduled for November.Source: Reuters
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