US Warns Naval Blockade of Iran to Continue Indefinitely Amid Strait of Hormuz Standstill

Maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has stalled following attacks on commercial vessels. The US warned it can maintain its naval blockade and economic pressure indefinitely.

A senior Iranian source said there had been no progress in talks to build on a June agreement to end the war. Since the ceasefire renewed in the June deal broke down, Iran has resumed attacks on ships it accuses of trying to transit the strait without its permission.

The United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said two of its vessels were attacked transiting the strait on Thursday evening. The UAE government blamed Iran, which made no immediate comment.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters the US military has the capability to maintain a naval presence in the region to enforce its retaliatory blockade of Iran, which has inflicted severe economic damage on the country.