Ball in Iran's court, but clock not on their side: US says Hormuz blockade stays

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Friday adopted a firm stance on Iran, urging Tehran to agree to a "good deal" to help end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and saying the "ball is in Tehran's court."

Hegseth said Iran has a "historic opportunity" to make a serious agreement before time runs out, adding that the US was "not anxious" about reaching a deal and reiterating President Trump's claim that Washington had "all the time in the world."

"All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways," he said.

However, he indicated no leniency on the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it would remain in place "as long as it takes" — a position likely to further complicate talks with Iran, which has made the lifting of the blockade a precondition for resuming negotiations.

"Our blockade is expanding and becoming global. No vessel can sail from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy," he told reporters, adding that 34 vessels had been redirected since the operation began on April 13.

US VS NATO OVER HORMUZ

The Pentagon chief also warned that any attempts by Iran to lay mines in the critical waterway would be a violation of the ceasefire. "Transit through the Strait of

Hormuz is significantly limited and riskier than usual due to Iran's use of weapon-laden, fast-moving boats," he said.

Taking a leaf out of President Trump's book, Hegseth also urged Nato allies in Europe to assist the US in securing the Strait, which is responsible for a third of the world's oil supplies.

"Europe needs the Strait of Hormuz far more than the US does," he said, taking a swipe at allies who have avoided joining the blockade so far. "The era of nations benefiting from American protection without contributing enough is over," he added.

Since the war began on February 28, Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO allies as “cowards” and a “paper tiger” for not helping to reopen the critical waterway, warning that Washington could reconsider future support if they fail to step up.

THE STATE OF TALKS IN ISLAMABAD

Meanwhile, uncertainty persists over the second round of talks between Iran and the United States.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit Islamabad on Friday to discuss proposals for restarting peace talks with the United States, though he is not scheduled to meet US negotiators. However, Pakistani sources said a US logistics and security team was already in Islamabad for potential talks.

The first round of talks between the two countries collapsed on April 11 after a marathon 21-hour discussion, with both sides blaming each other for the failure.

Araghchi posted on X that he will be visiting Pakistan, Oman, and Russia to coordinate with partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments, adding that Iran’s neighbours remain Tehran’s priority.

Two Pakistani government sources said Araghchi’s brief visit would focus on Iran’s proposals, which Pakistan, acting as a mediator, would then convey to Washington.

'DEAL ONLY IF IT SECURES IRAN'S INTERESTS'

A top Iranian foreign ministry official said on Friday that peace talks should focus on ending the war in a way that would secure Iran’s interests and demands.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei added that the nuclear weapon can no longer be their main subject. "The main issue is ending the war in a way that secures our interests and demands. From the outset, we said we accepted this ceasefire because it could serve as the groundwork and prelude to a complete end to the war on all fronts," he said.

He also linked Iran's willingness to continue talks with the United States lifting the blockade, which it described as “an act of aggression.”

“Attacks on ships are also a violation of the ceasefire and contrary to international law, demonstrating that the American side not only lacks good faith but in fact harbours bad intentions,” he said.

With neither side showing signs of compromise, the prospects for negotiations remain uncertain.

- Ends