Iran War Live Updates: Hegseth Warns Iran of Strikes as Cease-Fire Nears End
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth escalated pressure on Iran on Thursday, warning that the U.S. is prepared to strike the country's energy infrastructure if its leaders refuse to accept a peace deal before the temporary cease-fire expires. The remarks, delivered at the Pentagon, came as Washington maintains a sweeping naval blockade and regional tensions widen from the Persian Gulf to Lebanon.
What to Know
- Hegseth said Iran must "choose wisely," warning of potential U.S. strikes on energy and power sites if no agreement is reached.
- The U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue "as long as it takes," according to Hegseth.
- Targeting civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime under international law, legal experts note.
- Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. Navy forces in the Pacific may be tasked with intercepting ships resupplying Iran, expanding the blockade beyond the Middle East.
- Iran threatened to halt all trade in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea in response to the blockade.
- Iran's weakened military still has the ability to deploy mines and fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz, and Houthi allies in Yemen have previously targeted shipping in the Red Sea.
- Analysts say the blockade will strain Iran's economy but may not force major concessions or ease the global energy crunch.
- Pakistan says it expects to host a second round of U.S.-Iran peace talks, though no date has been announced.
- Rising clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon threaten to destabilize the cease-fire, with new Israeli strikes reported in southern Lebanon.
- Sri Lanka has repatriated more than 200 Iranian sailors detained after a U.S. submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship near its waters, resolving a diplomatic standoff.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 9:08 AM.