New Delhi, April 16 -- The United States has announced a major escalation in its military posture toward Iran, declaring a sweeping maritime blockade on shipping routes linked to Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, while warning that combat operations could resume if Tehran does not agree to a peace deal, according to remarks attributed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a Pentagon briefing on Thursday.

The Pentagon chief warned the US-led measure would prevent all vessels from entering or exiting Iranian ports "for as long as it takes," regardless of nationality.

"Let me be clear, this blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports," Hegseth said. "For as long as it takes, we will main...