Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, April 16, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, April 16, 2026
WATCH: Pentagon holds briefing on Iran war; Joint Chiefs chair describes US naval blockade of all Iran’s ports
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleThe Pentagon holds a briefing on the Iran war.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warns Iran against “piracy.”
He says the United States will prevent all shipping from entering or exiting Iranian ports for “as long as it takes.”
Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine describes the operation of the US naval blockade of Iran, and stresses it is not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz but rather of Iran’s ports. He says 13 ships have been turned back, and warns that US vessels will pursue ships beyond the immediate region that are dealing with Iran.
“Let me be clear, this blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports,” says Caine.
Watch it live here:
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