Reuters: The United States has threatened to continue its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, because ceasefire negotiations have reached a stalemate. Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, said that the U.S. military has the ability to maintain the blockade by rotating forces in the region.

The renewed blockade has increased pressure on Iran’s economy while Washington prepares for further economic measures. Scott Bessent, the Treasury secretary, said the United States will soon announce what he described as unprecedented sanctions against Tehran.

The conflict has also deepened concerns about global oil supply, as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has led to a predicted shortage of 4.3 million barrels per day in global oil supply this year. Iran has responded by targeting ships in the area, including two UAE oil tankers, which it said has further increased pressure on energy markets.