US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth characterized the Iran conflict as "a gift to the world" and announced the indefinite continuation of the American naval blockade. Iran's Defense Ministry warned of unused missile capability and claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz. A new round of US-Iran talks is scheduled in Pakistan, with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner representing the US. Internal divisions within Iranian leadership were revealed, with IRGC officials blocking pragmatic negotiating approaches.

US Sec of War Pete Hegseth calls Iran conflict a 'gift to the world' as naval blockade persists. Iran warns of unused missile capability. New US-Iran talks set in Pakistan.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has characterised the ongoing conflict in Iran as "a gift to the world", asserting that the American blockade of Iranian maritime traffic will persist "as long as it takes."

Addressing journalists at the Pentagon on Friday, Hegseth stated that the naval restrictions are essential to fulfilling what he described as a "bold and dangerous" mission aimed at neutralising Iran's perceived threat to international stability. While American officials maintained that the blockade has successfully intercepted 34 vessels, maritime monitoring data indicates that Tehran continues to circumvent these measures to export sanctioned oil.

According to Lloyd's List Intelligence, "a steady flow of shadow fleet traffic" has been observed moving through the Persian Gulf. This includes 11 tankers carrying Iranian cargo that reportedly departed from the Gulf of Oman, outside the strait, since April 13.

In response to the American stance, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV quoted Defence Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, who warned that "a significant portion of our missile capability has not been used." The General further claimed that the "Armed Forces had full control over the skies of the occupied territories" until the moments leading up to the ceasefire.

Talaei-Nik also highlighted domestic resilience, describing the continued public support following the cessation of hostilities as a "social miracle." He noted that "over 30 million people registered in the 'Sacrifice' campaign", calling it "an unparalleled example of popular mobilisation in the world."

Directly challenging the American strategy, the spokesperson alleged that "the enemy" intended to instigate internal chaos. However, he maintained that the vigilance of the public and the coordination of security agencies have kept the nation in a "secure, stable, and cohesive condition."

The Brigadier General further asserted that the "Strait of Hormuz is under Iran's wise and powerful management" and has evolved into a "control lever for realising the demands of the Iranian nation." He added that Western forces in the Sea of Oman have "repeatedly retreated in the face of the decisive response of the Armed Forces."

This defiant message from the Iranian military emerges even as a new assessment by the US-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), revealed a rift within the Iranian leadership. The ISW report stated that Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Commander Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi and his "inner circle" have "repeatedly blocked attempts" by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other "pragmatist" officials to push the Iranian regime towards a "more flexible negotiating position."