Iran

 

Hegseth tells Iran to ‘make a deal,’ says second aircraft carrier will join blockade

By 

Matthew Adams

Stars and Stripes • April 24, 2026

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hold a news briefing about Operation Epic Fury at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Friday, April 24, 2026. Hegseth said the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is growing and would continue for “as long as it takes.” (Department of Defense)

ARLINGTON, Va — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that a second aircraft carrier will soon join the U.S. Navy’s blockade of Iranian ports as he urged Iran to make a deal that would end the war.

“Iran has an important choice, a chance to make a deal, a good deal, a wise deal,” Hegseth said during a briefing at the Pentagon. “Iran has a historic chance to make a serious deal, and the ball is in their court.”