Hegseth Says Navy Blockade Will Continue ‘As Long As It Takes’ But War Won’t Be ‘Endless’

BreakingBusinessHegseth Says Navy Blockade Will Continue ‘As Long As It Takes’ But War Won’t Be ‘Endless’BySara Dorn,Forbes Staff. Sara Dorn is a Forbes news reporter who covers politics.Follow AuthorApr 24, 2026, 09:30am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ToplineDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday the U.S. will continue its naval blockade of Iran-linked ships “as long as it takes” to accomplish its objectives in Iran, but insisted the war won’t be “endless”—making a series of vague and contradictory statements about when the operation will conclude as the conflict enters its ninth week. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2026. (Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesKey FactsHegseth said the U.S. naval blockade is “growing and going global” in a press conference Friday, telling reporters the U.S. has redirected 34 ships since the operation began on April 13. He said it will continue for “as long as it takes, whatever President Trump decides,” but insisted the conflict wouldn’t be “endless” and the U.S. is “anxious for a deal” with Iran.Acknowledging Iran has laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, he said traffic is “much more limited than anybody would like to see.”This is a developing story and will be updated.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video