In yet another update from the , full of threats, triumphalism and a little bit of diplomacy, the Minister of War of , , who, among other things, argued that the blockade imposed by the USA is gaining a global dimension and that Tehran has the opportunity to make a “good deal” with Washington.
“Our blockade is growing and taking on a global dimension. “No one makes the crossing through the Straits of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy,” he asserted solemnly. He added that so far the US Navy has forced 34 ships to turn around.
He also warned that any attempt by Iran to plant more mines would be seen as a violation of the ceasefire. Earlier there was information reported by Axios that the Iranian side again planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Warnings for Europe
Among other things, Hegseth underlined that Europe and Asia “have benefited for decades from the protection of the United States”, adding that “the era of free support is over”. As he added, “the alliance is not a one-sided relationship, but a two-way relationship”, adding that the United States does not rely on Europe, while – as he said – European countries “depend much more on the US for the Straits of Hormuz”.
He called on European leaders to cut back on “impressive conferences” and “go out to sea”, in a sharp reference to their role in international developments. As he pointed out: “This is a wake-up call for countries around the world: either you have operational capabilities or you don’t. Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of a country like Iran, and the only force that can do anything about it is the US military.”
The US is also sending a third aircraft carrier
At the same time, CENTCOM announced that a third aircraft carrier had been deployed in the Middle East region. Specifically, the USS George HW Bush arrived in the area, while the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford were already there. This is the first time since 2003 that three US aircraft carriers with more than 200 fighters and 15,000 troops are operating simultaneously in the Middle East.
