US defense chief: Iran port blockade to continue as long as necessary

U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth announced that the U.S. Navy's blockade of Iranian ports, in effect since April 13, will continue for as long as necessary. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference on April 24 alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Cain, Hegseth stated that 34 ships have been turned back by the U.S. Navy to date. He added that an aircraft carrier is scheduled to join the blockade operation within a few days. Hegseth also revealed that the U.S. military seized two vessels belonging to Iran's "shadow fleet" in the Indian Ocean, stressing that the expanding blockade is spreading globally. He warned that if Iran lays mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would destroy them without hesitation, responding in a manner similar to how it deals with drug smuggling ships in the Caribbean. Hegseth concluded by stating that this should not be America's fight alone, adding that the era of Europe and Asia free-riding is over.