Hegseth says Iran blockade 'very much still in place' as Trump mulls deal

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in place as President Trump weighs a 60-day ceasefire extension with Iran. He noted the closure disrupts global shipping, with the blockade turning around more than 100 vessels and disabling four since mid-April.

A memorandum would extend the ceasefire by 60 days, require Iran to remove mines within 30 days and prohibit tolls on transit, with the U.S. gradually lifting the blockade. Trump said he would decide soon and, in Truth Social, reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon and that the Strait should be open, toll-free, for unrestricted shipping.