US threatens ‘indefinite’ blockade against Iran: How long can it last?

What the report says

The United States is threatening to keep a naval blockade on Iranian ports in place indefinitely, even as ceasefire talks with Iran remain stalled, Al Jazeera reported on 14 August 2026. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Navy could sustain the operation by rotating ships in and out, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled additional economic measures aimed at further isolating Iran.

The announcement comes amid continuing disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping lane. Iranian authorities said the waterway remains blocked until their conditions are accepted, pushing back on US claims that it has reopened. Al Jazeera said only a limited number of ships have passed through in recent days.

The blockade has also drawn scrutiny in the US because of reported strain on the USS Abraham Lincoln, the aircraft carrier leading maritime security operations in the region. Media reports cited problems including low morale, mental health concerns, supply shortages and safety issues, prompting questions from lawmakers about whether the Navy can maintain the current pace of operations.

Some US officials and military spokespeople rejected parts of those reports, saying claims of deaths or widespread collapse aboard the ship were false and that the crew remained resilient after more than 260 days at sea. Analysts quoted by Al Jazeera said such extended deployments can reduce readiness and require port maintenance, underscoring the broader operational risks if the blockade continues.