Prepared to blockade Iran? I thought they were?????

US rearming and prepared to blockade Iran "as long as it takes," warn top military leaders

By Kit Maher, Lauren Chadwick, Aileen Graef and Kaanita Iyer

In the Pentagon briefing that wrapped up a short while ago, top US military leadership warned Iranian leaders the blockade of the country’s ports and economic pressures would continue unless they “choose wisely” and that US troops in the Middle East are “rearming” during the ceasefire.

Here’s a look at what we learned from the briefing:

• Troops rearming: The US are using this pause in fighting to rearm, retool and adjust their “tactics, techniques and procedures,” said US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, who oversees US forces in the region.
• “Choose wisely:” US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US would impose a blockade on Iranian ports for “as long as it takes” and called on Iran to “choose wisely.” He threatened to target infrastructure and energy sites “if Iran chooses poorly.”
• Underneath Iran: Hegseth added that Iran is “digging out” missiles and launchers from bombed facilities, arguing that it can’t “replenish” its military capabilities. CNN has previously reported on satellite images showing earth-moving equipment digging for missile launchers trapped underground.
• Blockade enforcement: Joint Chiefs chairman Dan Caine warned that the US could board or use force against ships not complying with the blockade. He said 13 ships have turned around so far but, as of this morning, the US has not had to board “any particular ships.”
• Third parties: Hegseth also responded to reporting that China is planning to send weapons to Iran, saying the US has been assured that won’t happen. Separately, Caine said the US military will pursue vessels from any country that may be providing “material support” to Iran in other regions.