The U.S. Defense Secretary: If no agreement is reached in the near term, stronger measures will be taken against Iran, and it is revealed that the U.S. is leveraging the ceasefire period to enhance its capabilities for "re-armament"

"U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth said on Thursday, April 16, that the United States will 'continue as necessary' to impose blockades on Iranian ports (already implemented starting this week), warning that stronger actions against Tehran will follow if no agreement is reached in the near future,"

Hegseth stated during a press briefing at the Pentagon: "As long as needed, we will maintain this blockade, and this blockade is working." He further threatened: "If Iran makes the wrong choice, there will not only be blockades, but bombs will also strike Iran’s power and energy infrastructure."

Following the failure of the first round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran held in Islamabad, U.S. military forces began imposing blockades on Iranian ports starting Monday. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attended the press conference alongside Hegseth and stated: "This blockade applies to all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, regardless of nationality." He emphasized: "This is a blockade targeting Iranian ports, not the Strait of Hormuz." He added: "So far, 13 ships have made wise decisions by turning back." He continued, "The message is clear: if you do not comply with the blockade, we will use force." He noted, "Captains can see, feel, and experience the pressure around them."

Hegseth directly addressed Iran's leadership, stating that during the current ceasefire effective since April 8, Tehran is attempting to "dig up" military equipment buried during the five-week U.S.-Israel air campaign. He said: "You are digging out remaining missiles and launchers. But you lack the capacity to replenish these assets—you no longer have a defense industry, nor can you rebuild offensive or defensive capabilities."

Hegseth also warned: "While you dig through bombed-out facilities, we are strengthening our own capabilities." Brad Cooper, Commander of the U.S. Central Command responsible for the Middle East, confirmed that the U.S. is using the ceasefire period for "re-armament." He said: "We are rearming, re-equipping, and adjusting our strategy, tactics, and operational procedures."

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862641787299147/

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