U.S. Department of War·Apr 16, 2026, 1:17 PM ET

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine Hold a Press Briefing

XXII UAE

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth & Chairman Gen. Dan Caine announced that Operation Epic Fury has transitioned from major combat to a strict blockade of Iranian ports & coastlines, while maintaining readiness to resume full combat operations if Iran violates the ceasefire.
Admiral Bradley Cooper confirmed the blockade applies to all vessels heading to or from Iranian ports, utilizing over 10,000 service members, a dozen ships, & dozens of aircraft to intercept & seize ships attempting to breach the line.
Hegseth warned Iran that its military capabilities are degraded with no ability to replenish assets, stating the US holds a blockade & is prepared to strike dual-use energy infrastructure & power generation if Iran chooses poorly.
The US Navy enforces control over the Strait of Hormuz, with Hegseth labeling Iranian threats to commercial shipping as piracy & terrorism, noting that only 10 percent of US naval power is currently required to maintain the blockade.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is launching Operation Economic Fury to maximize economic pressure on Iran alongside the military blockade.
Hegseth criticized the American media as "Pharisees" for allegedly ignoring battlefield successes, including historic recruiting goals met five months ahead of schedule & successful rescue missions, while focusing on negative coverage.
The Joint Force is using the ceasefire to rearm, retool, & adjust tactics based on lessons learned from 13 US service member fatalities during the initial combat phase.
Admiral Cooper reported that morale among the 50,000 US troops in the Middle East is extremely high, with forces actively employing new tactics, AI, & modified Iranian drones against targets in Iran.
Regional allies including Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, & Israel are praised for their strong partnerships, with the US embedding air defense assets alongside partner forces to create the world's largest air defense umbrella.
Hegseth addressed the status of Iran's Supreme Leader, confirming he is believed to be alive but wounded & disfigured, while dismissing Iranian AI propaganda videos depicting violence against President Trump as lies.
Hegseth refuted claims that the zero-enrichment policy was foisted upon President Trump, asserting the President makes all independent decisions regarding national interests.
Regarding reports of Chinese weapons shipments to Iran, Hegseth stated that President Xi has assured the US such shipments will not occur following direct communication between the two leaders.