US defence secretary says Iran must avail a chance to strike a 'good' deal

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the United States’ objective is clear: Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, adding that Tehran still has an opportunity to reach a favourable agreement.

“Our blockade is growing and going global,” Hegseth told reporters.

He further stated that the United States has full control over the Strait of Hormuz, and that the blockade has expanded to a global scale.

He added that two vessels from Iran’s so-called “dark fleet”, which had departed from Iranian ports prior to the blockade, had been seized.

“No one sails from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy,” he said.

Peace talks between Iran and the United States could resume soon in Pakistan, three Pakistani sources told Reuters on Friday, after the last round of talks expected earlier this week fell through.

Hegseth also warned that any attempts by Iran to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz would be a violation of the ceasefire.