The United States will blockade Iranian ports for “as long as it takes,” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, threatening renewed strikes if Tehran does not make a deal. “If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy,” Hegseth said.
Houthi Leader Blames US in Iran Negotiations
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, has accused the United States of making “impossible demands” during ongoing negotiations with Iran. In a televised address on Thursday, he claimed that the current two-week ceasefire reflects the failure of both the US and Israel to achieve their strategic objectives in the conflict.
Al-Houthi stated that successful negotiations could lead either to prolonged stability or a complete end to hostilities. However, he criticised Washington’s approach as being driven by “arrogance and pride,” suggesting that the US has entered talks on its own rigid terms.
Lufthansa to Shut Down CityLine Amid Rising Costs
German airline Lufthansa has announced the early shutdown of its regional feeder airline, CityLine, citing escalating fuel costs and ongoing labour disputes. The closure, initially planned for next year, will now take effect immediately, with operations set to cease on Saturday.
CityLine, which operated 27 older and less fuel-efficient aircraft, played a key role in transporting passengers to Lufthansa’s major hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. The airline attributed the sharp rise in fuel prices to the Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
Sailors Stranded as Hormuz Blockade Disrupts Shipping
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact global shipping, with German logistics giant Hapag-Lloyd reporting that around 150 sailors remain stranded aboard six vessels in the region.
Company spokesperson Nils Haupt described the situation as challenging, noting that crews have been operating in a war zone for over five weeks. While some personnel rotations have taken place, prolonged isolation has taken a toll on morale.
Hapag-Lloyd maintains daily communication with ship captains and crew members. Satellite technology has enabled sailors to stay in touch with their families, providing some relief amid the ongoing crisis.
Pentagon Pressures Iran to Accept Deal
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Iran to return to the negotiating table, warning that Washington is prepared to act decisively if diplomacy fails.
Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth reiterated that the United States will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. He emphasised a preference for a diplomatic resolution led by the US negotiating team but warned that a military option remains on the table.
“I pray you choose a deal… for the betterment of your people and the world,” he said, addressing Iran’s leadership directly.
Israel Warns Iran of Severe Consequences
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Iran, framing its choices as a decision between progress and destruction. He cautioned that failure to de-escalate could result in more severe military strikes than those already carried out.
Katz linked Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon to a broader confrontation with Iran, signalling an escalation in regional tensions.
Europe Faces Jet Fuel Shortage
The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, has warned that Europe may have only six weeks of jet fuel remaining if current supply disruptions persist.
In an interview, Birol described the situation as potentially the most severe energy crisis in history, driven by the blockage of oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. He cautioned that prolonged disruption could trigger widespread flight cancellations and significantly impact global economic growth.
Rising fuel, gas, and electricity prices are expected to add inflationary pressure worldwide, further compounding the crisis.
US Expands Maritime Blockade Against Iran
US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine announced that American forces will actively pursue any vessel linked to Iran, regardless of location. The move is part of an expanded blockade targeting Iranian ports and maritime activities.
Caine warned that ships attempting to bypass the blockade risk being boarded by force. The enforcement measures apply to all vessels, including those suspected of transporting Iranian oil through covert means.
The blockade extends beyond Iranian territorial waters into international zones, with US forces globally instructed to intercept vessels providing material support to Iran.
Global Tensions Mount
As diplomatic efforts continue amid escalating military and economic pressures, the US–Israel–Iran conflict is increasingly affecting global trade, energy supplies, and geopolitical stability. The coming weeks are likely to prove critical in determining whether negotiations can prevent further escalation or if the crisis deepens into a broader international confrontation.
(With inputs from ANI and AFP)