US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the United States can sustain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely if needed. The warning escalates economic pressure on Tehran at a time when ceasefire talks have stalled, global oil supplies are shrinking, and regional tensions are rising. Hegseth's statement suggests the US is prepared for a prolonged standoff rather than a quick resolution. The blockade is part of a broader strategy to squeeze Iran's economy, according to the defense secretary. No timeline was given for how long the blockade might last, but Hegseth indicated the US has the capability to continue it for as long as necessary.