U.S. Defense Officials Say Naval Blockade of Iran Can Be Sustained Indefinitely Amid Carrier Crew Concerns

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the Navy can keep a naval presence in the Gulf "indefinitely" by rotating ships, a stance echoed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said new economic measures would intensify pressure on Iran. The statements come as the United States maintains a blockade of Iranian ports and seeks to isolate Tehran economically.

Congressional officials have raised concerns about the welfare of sailors on the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for nearly seven months without a port stop. Reports cited by the Navy Times and Stars and Stripes describe declining morale, mental-health issues and incidents such as a sailor attempting to jump overboard. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal wrote to Hegseth that the deployment length and reported shortages of basic supplies warrant immediate attention.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Mike Levin have called for answers from the Defense Department and the Navy, criticizing the handling of the situation. Hegseth dismissed the reports as "completely misrepresented," and U.S. Central Command denied claims that crew members had been killed or seriously injured.

Experts note that extended deployments strain carrier readiness, with retired naval officer Harlan Ullman stressing the need for routine port maintenance for complex vessels like the Abraham Lincoln. He warned that prolonged sea time erodes a ship’s capability and that the administration should prioritize naval readiness over political considerations.

Iran continues to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating the waterway will remain closed until its conditions are met. Iranian officials have described the blockade as piracy and highlighted the strategic importance of the strait in their economic strategy against the United States.