By CNBCTV18.com April 24, 2026, 6:34:04 PM IST (Published)
U.S. officials say the country is widening a maritime blockade on Iran beyond the Gulf, reporting that 34 ships have already been turned back from the Strait of Hormuz as Washington presses Europe and Asia to shoulder more of the security burden.
Speaking to reporters alongside senior military leaders, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the campaign as “a gift to the world,” and warned the era of allies “free-riding” on American efforts was over. He said control of movements through the strategically vital Hormuz chokepoint will increasingly fall under U.S. oversight and urged partners to take on a larger role.
“Our blockade is growing and going global,” Hegseth said, adding that Iran had missed an opportunity to reach what he called a “good deal” with the United States. He also asserted that no vessel would be allowed to transit from the Strait of Hormuz to global markets without the permission of the U.S. Navy.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical corridor for global oil and gas shipments, and the announcement comes amid heightened tensions across West Asia and renewed concerns about energy supply chains.
The briefing followed recent diplomatic developments, including an extension of a temporary truce between Israel and Lebanon and a broader, though fragile, ceasefire involving Iran that was announced earlier by Donald Trump.
(FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Sept. 30, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo)
(Edited by: Sheersh Kapoor)