US Threatens Combat and Naval Blockade Enforcement Against Iran If Talks Fail
Key Takeaways
- US threatens to resume combat and blockade Iran if talks fail.
- Diplomatic talks continue, with meetings in Tehran and Muscat and possible Pakistan follow-up.
- Warnings include targeting energy infrastructure and energy-related sites in Iran.
US-Iran Negotiations
Iranian officials and Pakistan's military chief met in Tehran to discuss messages exchanged between Iran and the US.
The Pentagon warned that US forces are rearming with more power than before and stand ready to resume combat if negotiations fail.
The Joint Chiefs chairman warned the US could use force against ships trying to bypass the blockade against Iranian ports.
The US has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports since January.
The US military has told ships that all Iranian vessels and ships subject to sanctions could be intercepted regardless of location.
Pentagon Threats and Blockade
Hegseth threatened US attacks on Iran's power plants if its leaders did not agree to a peace deal.
The blockade would continue as long as it takes.
The US Central Command said 14 vessels had turned around to comply with the blockade.
Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains very limited.
Gen. Amir Hatami said Iranian planes had escorted a high-level Pakistani delegation.
Lebanon-Israel Conflict
Lebanon's President Aoun declined to speak with Netanyahu despite Trump's assertion.
Israel destroyed the last bridge linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country.
The Israeli military launched three successive attacks on emergency crews, killing at least four paramedics.
The UN's human rights office condemned the attack.
Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,196 people in Lebanon since March 2.
Diplomatic Divergence
Oman hosted a new round of talks between Washington and Tehran.
The US agreed to Iran's request to move nuclear talks from Turkey to Oman in a bilateral format.
Iran insists on discussing only the nuclear file.
Brig. Gen. Naji Malaab noted Iran's close cooperation with China.
He said that if matters are between the US and Iran, there will be no military confrontation.
More on Iran
Pakistan Pushes to Include Lebanon in Broader Iran Ceasefire Talks
17 sources compared
U.S. Navy Turns Back Iranian Cargo Vessel After Bandar Abbas Attempted Spoofing
69 sources compared
Iran-Linked and Sanctioned Tankers Defy US Blockade in Strait of Hormuz
13 sources compared
Vice President JD Vance Warns Pope Leo to Be Careful Discussing Theology
17 sources compared