US Defense Secretary says Iran faces 'historic chance' as naval pressure escalates
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- US claims naval operation has forced dozens of vessel diversions.
- Washington says Iran must abandon nuclear ambitions for a deal.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Washington’s military campaign against Iran has delivered “decisive results,” as he defended an expanding maritime pressure strategy targeting shipping linked to Iranian ports.
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Speaking at a press conference, Hegseth said the operation, described as “Operation Epic Fury,” has significantly increased US control over regional sea lanes in recent weeks.
Maritime pressure escalates
Hegseth said vessels suspected of operating to and from Iranian ports have been turned back under US criteria, while others have been allowed to transit under strict conditions.
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He claimed 34 non-Iranian vessels were cleared to pass through maritime routes as of Friday morning, adding that naval enforcement would continue to intensify.
The operation focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane.
Nuclear warning to Iran
The US defense chief reiterated that Iran will ultimately be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons, calling on Tehran to abandon its program in a “verifiable” manner.
“Iran will ultimately not have a nuclear weapon,” he said, adding that Washington sees a “historic chance” for a diplomatic settlement.
Europe sidelined in strategy
Hegseth downplayed the role of European allies, arguing that the burden of the crisis lies more heavily on them due to their dependence on Gulf energy routes.
“We’re not counting on Europe,” he said, adding that Iran has greater leverage over European energy flows than over the United States.
Negotiation window still open
Despite the escalation, he said the United States is not under pressure to reach an immediate agreement.
“We have all the time in the world,” he said, stressing that the “ball is in Iran’s court” if it chooses to return to negotiations and abandon nuclear ambitions.
