UPDATE: Hegseth announces expansion of U.S. blockade against Iran. The official claims the United States maintains control over the maritime operation.

BREAKING: Pentagon chief Hegseth says US blockade on Iran is going global. The announcement signals a significant expansion of current maritime and economic restrictions targeting the Iranian state.

Pentagon chief Hegseth stated that the United States blockade on Iran is expanding to a global scale.

BREAKING: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says 34 non-Iranian vessels are cleared to transit the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. deploys a second aircraft carrier to enforce a blockade of Iranian ships.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that 34 non-Iranian vessels have been cleared to transit the Strait of Hormuz, while confirming that a second U.S. aircraft carrier will join the ongoing blockade of Iranian ships.

BREAKING: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warns the U.S. will target and destroy any Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Commanders have been authorized to act immediately against threats to U.S. ships or forces in the region.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the United States will target and destroy any Iranian vessels found laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth added that military commanders have been granted clear rules of engagement to act immediately against threats to U.S. forces.

BREAKING: The U.S. military has ordered 34 vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports to turn back, according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stated that the U.S. has ordered 34 vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports to turn back.