Hagest: If no agreement is reached, the option of blockade and attack on Iran’s infrastructure is on the table.
Pete Hagest, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, announced on Thursday, April 16, during a press conference at the Pentagon that American forces in the Middle East are positioned to resume military operations if an agreement with Iran is not reached.
Addressing Iranian officials, he said, ‘As our negotiators have stated, you can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope you do this for the people of Iran.’
Hagest, referring to the naval blockade that began on April 13, emphasized that the United States will continue this action as long as necessary, and this restriction will apply to all vessels regardless of their nationality.
He further warned, ‘But if Iran makes a bad choice, it will face a blockade and bombardment of its electricity and energy infrastructure.’
In the same meeting, General Dan Keane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. Army, said, ‘I want to emphasize that during this pause, the U.S. military remains on alert and is ready to resume large-scale combat operations at any moment.’
Regarding the implementation of the naval blockade, he added, ‘We will actively pursue any ship flying the Iranian flag or any vessel attempting to provide logistical support to Iran,’ and warned, ‘If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force.’
Keane also clarified that these actions will be carried out both in Iran’s territorial waters and in international waters.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, also said in the meeting that the United States is using the ceasefire period to strengthen its military capabilities, adding, ‘We are rearming, reorganizing, and readjusting our tactics, techniques, and procedures. No army in the world adapts like we do, and that is exactly what we are doing now during the ceasefire.’
These statements come as the first round of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. ended without reaching an agreement on April 11 in Islamabad, and efforts to hold a second round of talks continue.