US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the United States’ objective is clear: Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, adding that Tehran still has an opportunity to reach a favourable agreement.
Hegseth claimed that Iran had killed 45,000 of its own protesters.
He further stated that the United States has full control over the Strait of Hormuz, and that the blockade has expanded to a global scale.
He added that two vessels from Iran’s so-called “dark fleet”, which had departed from Iranian ports prior to the blockade, had been seized.
Hegseth said Iran has an open opportunity to make a wise decision at the negotiating table, stressing that the blockade will remain in place for as long as necessary.
He also noted that 34 ships have so far been turned back from the Strait of Hormuz.
