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The United States has issued a warning to Iran, threatening to resume air strikes and maintain a naval blockade if Tehran refuses a proposed peace deal to end the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The warning came as Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited Tehran to help broker a new round of peace talks between the warring parties.
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have been pivotal, with Munir meeting Iran’s Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, to revive negotiations that collapsed during the first round in Pakistan last week.
US Defence Secretary Hegseth made it clear that any Iranian refusal would lead to severe consequences.
“If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power, and energy,” Hegseth said.
This was echoed by General Dan Caine, the top US military officer, who confirmed that the naval blockade would apply to all ships, regardless of nationality, and warned that force would be used against non-compliant vessels.
Despite this, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remains optimistic about further talks, saying that discussions would “very likely” continue in Islamabad. However, the US is resolute in its stance, maintaining sanctions on Iran’s oil industry and implementing a full blockade of Iranian ports. This strategic move is intended to cut off Iran’s trade routes and pressure the regime into compliance.
As tensions escalate, Israeli officials warn that Iran is at a “historic crossroads,” urging Tehran to renounce terrorism and nuclear ambitions.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, emphasised that Iran’s choice would determine its future, with further consequences awaiting if it continues down its current path.
For now, the U.S. continues to increase the pressure, while Iran warns it will retaliate if the situation worsens, with threats of sinking American ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane.
The U.S. remains firm in its demand for a permanent halt to Iran’s nuclear program, despite Tehran’s insistence that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. The coming weeks will determine whether diplomatic efforts can avert further escalation.
