US Hints at Iran Conflict as Naval Blockade Grows

US officials said the Pentagon is prepared to resume combat operations against Iran if a diplomatic agreement is not reached. The statement came as the United States broadened a naval blockade tied to Iran, widening the set of vessels subject to enforcement actions.

Officials said the blockade has been expanded to cover all Iranian-flagged vessels as well as sanctioned ships, regardless of where they are operating. The scope has also been extended beyond the Middle East into the Indo-Pacific region, marking a geographic widening of US maritime enforcement linked to Iran.

US forces are actively interdicting vessels suspected of providing material support to Iran, officials said. Since the blockade began, 13 ships have reportedly turned back, according to the information provided in the update on enforcement activity.

Diplomatic efforts remain in motion but without a defined timetable. Pakistan's military chief visited Tehran to mediate a resumption of peace talks between the United States and Iran, officials said, while noting that no date has been set for direct negotiations.

European participation in maritime security efforts also appeared unresolved. Germany said conditions for its involvement in a Strait of Hormuz maritime mission are not yet in place, citing the need for an end to hostilities or a provisional ceasefire. The position was stated ahead of a summit in Paris intended to coordinate international efforts focused on freedom of navigation in the strait.

Regional politics remain intertwined with the broader push to reduce tensions. US President Trump said leaders of Israel and Lebanon would hold discussions. Officials described the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah as a major impediment to wider de-escalation efforts across the region.

Key uncertainties remain around the timing and structure of any direct US-Iran negotiations, as well as the practical contours of multinational coordination on maritime security. It also remains unclear how quickly diplomatic channels can produce an agreement that would avert the scenario described by the US Defense Secretary.