The United States has enough naval resources to maintain its blockade of Iran indefinitely, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, signalling that Washington is prepared to continue military and economic pressure on Tehran as efforts to end the war remain stalled.

Hegseth said the US Navy could sustain the operation by rotating ships in and out of the region as required, suggesting that Washington does not currently face an immediate shortage of naval assets for the blockade.

“Indefinitely the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we’ll rotate ships in and out,” Hegseth told reporters in Panama.

Hegseth Defends Blockade

Hegseth made the remarks after speaking with the crew of the USS Gridley, a guided-missile destroyer that had previously operated in the Middle East.

His comments underline the administration's intention to maintain pressure on Iran while negotiations aimed at ending the conflict remain unresolved.

The blockade has become a central component of the US strategy against Tehran, particularly because of the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global energy markets.

Trump Claims Hormuz Control

Hegseth's remarks came a day after President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had complete control over the strategically important waterway.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the US naval blockade had become a “wall of steel” and asserted that Iran had little ability to challenge the American presence.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy transit routes. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the waterway.

Conflict Disrupts Energy Routes

The war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, according to the account provided by US officials and the source material.

Iran subsequently moved to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz, severely disrupting commercial shipping and energy flows.

The United States then established a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping and ports while maintaining that it would protect freedom of navigation for vessels travelling to and from non-Iranian ports.

Washington has deployed tens of thousands of military personnel to the wider Middle East since the conflict began, including more than 20 warships.

Commercial Ships Intercepted

The US military has said it has redirected more than 55 commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade.

According to US officials, three vessels have been disabled and two others boarded since the blockade began.

The confrontation has also involved direct military action against individual ships.

Earlier this week, a US Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine room of a Panama-flagged vessel after the ship allegedly ignored warnings from US forces, according to the US military.

Iran Continues Retaliation

Despite months of US military strikes against Iranian targets, Tehran has continued to challenge Washington's efforts to control the strategic waterway.

US strikes have targeted Iranian leadership and damaged significant parts of the country's military infrastructure, including elements of its navy.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against US allies in the region and has also targeted commercial vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian permission.

The continuing confrontation has kept maritime security and energy supplies under pressure.

Pressure Mounts on Trump

The prolonged conflict is also creating political pressure on the Trump administration.

Trump has alternated between warnings of further escalation and statements suggesting that a potential peace agreement could be reached.

At the same time, the administration has so far avoided some of the most escalatory measures, including deploying large numbers of ground troops or carrying out attacks on strategic islands and desalination infrastructure.

Trump is facing pressure to bring the conflict to an end ahead of the November midterm elections, while elevated fuel prices have emerged as a major concern, particularly among voters in rural areas that have traditionally supported him.

For now, Hegseth's comments indicate that Washington is prepared to sustain the naval blockade for as long as necessary, even as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain uncertain.

Iran says no final decision on US peace deal as negotiations continue

A major rescue operation was launched in the Arabian Sea on Sunday morning after an Indian-crewed dhow, MSV Virat 1, began sinking approximately 80 nautical miles off Ras Al Hadd in Oman.

Swift international response

The Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel ran into severe distress early Sunday, prompting a coordinated response from the US Navy, Indian Navy and merchant vessels in the area.

A US Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft operating in the region responded to the crisis by dropping an inflatable life raft near the sinking vessel. The aircraft crew monitored the evacuation from the air, ensuring all 14 Indian crew members successfully boarded the raft.

Indian Navy diverts ships

Upon receiving the alert, the Indian Navy immediately diverted its surface vessels towards the location. The merchant vessel MV Jabal Ali 9, a St Kitts and Nevis-flagged ship that had departed from Sohar in Oman and was headed to Mumbai, changed course to assist.

According to sources, the commercial ship intercepted the life raft and brought all 14 Indian mariners on board. Initial health assessments indicate the crew members are out of danger and in stable condition.

Engine failure cited

The Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed that the vessel experienced an engine failure that forced the crew to abandon ship. “It has emerged that the vessel experienced an engine failure, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a liferaft. Rescue operation is presently underway through ships in vicinity, under coordination of Omani authorities,” the embassy said in a post on X.

The exact cause of the flooding that led to the sinking remains under investigation. The incident occurred in waters near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors, though authorities have not linked the distress to the ongoing security situation in the region.

Iran cautious on peace deal

In a separate development, Iran has sought to downplay expectations of an immediate US-Iran peace deal, with Tehran saying no final decision has been made on the proposed memorandum of understanding.

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, citing a source close to the negotiating team, reported that the Islamic Republic has “not yet taken or announced its final decision” regarding the agreement. Political, legal and technical reviews are continuing at both the expert and decision-making levels.

This contradicts US President Donald Trump’s earlier claim that an agreement could be signed as early as Sunday. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the deal was “scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL”.

Mixed signals

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told state media that the signing will not happen on Sunday, though he did not rule out the possibility in the coming days. “The likelihood of finalising the memorandum of understanding in the coming days is high,” he was quoted as saying.

Pakistan, which has played a key mediating role in the talks, said a framework agreement was closer than ever. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal, followed by technical-level talks next week.

The proposed agreement is expected to extend the current ceasefire by 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, and launch negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

What’s next

The rescued Indian sailors are expected to be transferred to Indian Navy vessels for medical evaluation and eventual repatriation. Meanwhile, the world continues to watch as diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran conflict reach a critical juncture, with both sides signaling that a deal may be close — even if the timing remains uncertain.

The United States has intercepted an Iran-linked merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea, marking a fresh escalation in its maritime pressure campaign against Tehran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel, identified as M/V Sevan, was stopped by a US Navy helicopter launched from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney and ordered to reverse course towards Iran under military escort.

The operation comes amid rising tensions in West Asia and expanding US enforcement in waters linked to Iranian trade routes. American officials said the vessel complied without resistance and was redirected under close naval supervision.

Shadow fleet targeted

US authorities have described M/V Sevan as part of Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” a network of vessels allegedly used to move Iranian oil, gas and related energy cargo despite sanctions. CENTCOM said Sevan was among 19 vessels recently sanctioned by the US Treasury for transporting Iranian petroleum-linked products to overseas markets.

According to officials, these vessels have played a key role in moving billions of dollars worth of Iranian energy exports, including propane and butane, through indirect maritime routes.

Blockade widens further

Washington said the interception was part of a broader naval enforcement effort launched earlier this month to restrict vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. CENTCOM said 37 vessels have been redirected since the blockade began, underscoring the scale of US maritime checks in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

US officials have maintained that the operation is aimed at sanctioned shipping and not at commercial navigation more broadly. They said more than 30 non-Iranian vessels were allowed to proceed after verification.

Hormuz shipping under strain

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive energy chokepoints, handling a major share of global crude flows. The latest US action has added to shipping uncertainty in the corridor, with vessel operators increasingly reassessing routes amid fears of detention, inspection or forced diversion.

As per reports, traffic through Hormuz has slowed sharply since the latest round of enforcement began, with several operators choosing to alter schedules or avoid risk exposure in the area. The development is being closely watched across global energy and insurance markets as part of the Latest News Today cycle and broader National and International News coverage.

Washington’s official line

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington was widening its enforcement posture beyond the immediate Hormuz zone and into adjacent maritime corridors, including the Gulf of Oman. He said the US remained open to diplomacy, but would continue applying military pressure to enforce sanctions and restrict Iran’s maritime energy trade.

CENTCOM has also reiterated that US naval forces would not obstruct freedom of navigation for vessels transiting to and from non-Iranian ports, according to official guidance issued earlier this month.

Pressure on energy trade

The US move is expected to deepen pressure on Iran’s energy exports, already under tighter scrutiny from Washington and allied maritime monitors. Tanker operators, commodity traders and insurers are likely to face increased compliance checks as the US expands surveillance over suspected sanction-linked shipping.

What comes next

The US is now preparing to deploy additional naval assets to the region, including another aircraft carrier, signalling that maritime enforcement could intensify further in the coming days. With diplomacy still uncertain and military pressure rising, the Hormuz corridor is likely to remain under close watch in the coming news cycle.

Trump fires Navy chief amid West Asia war: Top nuclear scientist also suspended over honey-trap scandal

Major military shake-up in Washington as President Trump dismisses Navy Secretary John Phelan and suspends nuclear official Andrew Hugg amid heightening Iran tensions.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global defense establishment, President Donald Trump has summarily dismissed US Navy Secretary John Phelan. The high-profile exit coincides with the suspension of Andrew Hugg, a senior nuclear department official, following a controversial "honey-trap" allegation involving the leak of classified information.

The twin developments come at a critical juncture for American national security. With the US Navy currently enforcing a high-stakes blockade in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, the sudden decapitation of naval leadership has raised urgent questions regarding military stability and the "warrior ethos" being pushed by the current administration.

Command friction at Pentagon

The Pentagon officially confirmed Phelan’s departure on Wednesday, stating he was "departing the administration, effective immediately." While the formal statement was brief, insiders suggest a deepening rift between Phelan and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The friction reportedly centered on Phelan’s perceived "slow pace" in implementing radical shipbuilding reforms. Sources indicated that the Navy’s "Golden Fleet" expansion project, aimed at rapidly modernising submarines and warships, has been plagued by budget overruns and timeline delays, leading to Hegseth’s loss of confidence in Phelan’s leadership.

Breaking the chain of command

Adding to the internal discord was Phelan’s alleged tendency to bypass official protocols. Reports suggest the Navy Secretary frequently engaged in direct communication with President Trump, effectively sidestepping the established chain of command involving the Defense Secretary.

This breach of military hierarchy reportedly angered Hegseth, who has been aggressively restructuring the Pentagon’s top brass. Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran and former Senate candidate, has been named acting Navy Secretary, signaling a shift toward a leadership with deeper combat experience.

Nuclear official’s viral scandal

Simultaneously, the administration is grappling with a major security breach involving Andrew Hugg. A video recently surfaced on social media allegedly showing Hugg at a restaurant discussing sensitive matters related to America’s nuclear and chemical security with an unidentified woman.

The "honey-trap" scandal has raised alarms over the vulnerability of high-ranking officials. The leaked conversation reportedly touched upon "nerve agents" and specific chemical vulnerabilities within the US military, leading to Hugg's immediate suspension pending a full-scale federal investigation into the breach.

Purge of the old guard

This latest firing is part of a broader "purge" within the Department of Defense. On April 2, Army Chief of Staff General Randy George was removed more than a year before his term was set to expire. He was replaced by General Christopher LaNeve, a former assistant to Hegseth.

Critics and former defense officials have expressed concern over the "politicisation" of the military. Since taking office, the current administration has removed several senior officers, including those appointed during the Biden era, replacing them with loyalists who align with the President’s "America First" military doctrine.

Tensions peak in Hormuz

The leadership vacuum comes as the US is embroiled in its most significant military confrontation in decades. The Navy is currently maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports following a series of strikes earlier this year aimed at Tehran's nuclear program.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with 20% of the world’s oil supply at risk. Military analysts warn that changing leadership during an active blockade is a high-risk maneuver that could embolden regional adversaries if not managed with absolute precision.

Future of US defense

As Hung Cao takes the reins of the Navy, the focus shifts to whether the "Trump-class" battleship program and other naval reforms will accelerate. The administration remains firm that these changes are necessary to "rebuild the modern battlefield" and restore American deterrence.

The global community is watching closely as the Pentagon undergoes its most radical transformation in modern history. With more dismissals expected, the "India News Update" continues to track these developments that hold significant implications for international trade and security.

US Blocks Chinese Access to Iranian Oil as Hormuz Blockade Faces Mixed Results

Washington tightens pressure on Tehran with naval operation in Strait of Hormuz, even as shipping data shows some vessels slipping through amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.

Hormuz Blockade Enforced

US forces have stepped up enforcement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, deploying over 10,000 troops and around 12 naval ships to control traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz. The operation, which began on Monday, aims to choke off Iran's oil exports following the collapse of recent peace talks.

According to US Central Command, no ships passed through the route in the first 24 hours. Officials reported intercepting at least eight Iran-linked oil tankers, instructing them via radio to turn back without boarding.

Mixed Signals on Effectiveness

Yet questions linger over the blockade's full impact. Shipping data reviewed by international outlets indicated that at least four Iran-linked vessels, including two that had visited Iranian ports, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. A few additional non-Iranian ships also transited the waterway.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made clear the administration's stance on third-party involvement, particularly from China. "They’re not going to be able to get their oil. They can get oil. Not Iranian oil," Bessent told reporters in Washington. He described China as an "unreliable global partner" for stockpiling oil and limiting exports during the conflict.

China-Iran Links Under Scrutiny

A separate report added another layer to US concerns over Beijing-Tehran ties. The Financial Times reported that Iran secretly used a Chinese spy satellite during the recent war, gaining enhanced ability to target US military bases across West Asia.

The development has heightened tensions as Washington seeks to isolate Iran's oil trade. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, meanwhile, offered that Moscow could help compensate for any energy shortfalls China might face.

Trump Signals Optimism on Talks

US President Donald Trump struck a relatively positive note on the broader conflict, telling reporters the war with Iran appeared "very close to over." He suggested Tehran was eager for a deal and indicated fresh talks could resume soon, possibly within days, with Pakistan as a potential venue.

Vice President JD Vance emphasised that the administration was not interested in minor agreements. "Trump doesn’t want to make a small deal. He wants to make the grand bargain," Vance said, referring to extended negotiations.

Parallel Diplomacy in Lebanon

In a related diplomatic move, Israel and Lebanon held their first direct talks in over three decades, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Both sides described the engagement as constructive, with focus on reducing Hezbollah's influence and addressing security concerns.

Israeli officials noted a shared interest in "liberating Lebanon" from Iranian-backed groups, while Lebanese representatives called for a ceasefire and return of displaced persons.

Economic Ripples and Global Concerns

The blockade and continued uncertainty in West Asia have kept oil prices elevated. Brent crude hovered just above $95 per barrel in Asian trade on Wednesday, with markets watching for any escalation or breakthrough in talks.

The International Monetary Fund has warned that prolonged disruption could slow global growth and push oil prices higher in coming years. In India, early market reactions remained positive following a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump on the West Asia situation, with benchmark indices gaining ground.

Impact on Trade Routes

The Strait of Hormuz handles around a fifth of global oil shipments, making any sustained blockade a major concern for energy-importing nations, including India. New Delhi has been closely monitoring developments, balancing its strategic partnerships while ensuring energy security.

Officials in Washington have stressed the blockade applies impartially to vessels of all nations linked to Iranian ports. However, the partial transit of ships has raised doubts about complete enforcement in the initial phase.

What Lies Ahead

With the two-week ceasefire due to expire soon, attention now turns to whether renewed US-Iran talks can yield a lasting agreement. The administration has linked the blockade to maximum economic pressure, while leaving room for diplomacy.

Analysts say the coming days will be critical in determining if the naval operation forces concessions or risks further regional instability. For now, the US appears committed to tightening the squeeze on Iranian oil flows, particularly targeting major buyers like China.