Pentagon chief Hegseth says US blockade on Iran ‘going global’

  • U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, amid a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 24, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)
  • U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a briefing on the Iran war, amid a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 24, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)

WASHINGTON, April 24 (Reuters) – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ‌said on Friday that the U.S. blockade on Iran ​is going global, ​adding Tehran had a chance ⁠to make a “good deal” ​with Washington.

“Our blockade ​is growing and going global,” Hegseth told reporters.

“No one sails ​from the Strait ​of Hormuz to anywhere in ‌the ⁠world without the permission of the United States Navy,” he said.

​Thirty-four ​ships ⁠had been turned around from the ​Strait of Hormuz ​by ⁠the U.S. Navy so far, he said.