Pete Hegseth, the Minister of the U.S. Ministry of National Defense (War Department), said on the 30th (local time) that the maritime blockade against Iran remains in place and that the United States is prepared to resume military intervention if end-of-war talks collapse.
According to the U.S. Ministry of National Defense, Minister Hegseth said this at a press conference at the U.S. Embassy after concluding the 23rd Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) in Singapore that day.
Minister Hegseth said, "The blockade operation is being maintained like an ironclad," and noted that in bilateral meetings held during the conference, "the issue of the Strait of Hormuz came up quite frequently."
He went on, "The Strait of Hormuz will be an open strait. It will be a toll-free strait that the entire world can use freely," adding, "That is how it is supposed to be."
Asked whether a plan is being considered to permanently withdraw troops from U.S. bases in the Middle East that were attacked by Iran, he said, "All of that is for President Trump to decide," adding, "Those decisions will be made based on the final outcome of the end-of-war talks with Iran."
He added, "Right now, we are focused on maintaining posture and preparing so that we can re-engage (militarily) if necessary."
Regarding the issue of arms sales to Taiwan, Minister Hegseth said, "We respect China's ambitions. We know they have carried out a significant military buildup," but added, "Our position on Taiwan has not changed."
He also said, "It is the same as what the president said after concluding historic talks with China," adding, "We are in a stronger position than ever in the Pacific and around the world."
Earlier, President Trump said he discussed the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the U.S.-China summit. He later said in an interview with Fox News, "I have not yet approved additional arms sales," adding, "I may approve them or I may not."
When asked whether the United States will provide Virginia-class submarines to Australia as scheduled, Minister Hegseth answered, "I think so."
Under the AUKUS security pact, the United States plans to sell three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia starting in 2032. However, some in the United States have raised concerns that Australia's possession of nuclear submarines may not provide a practical check on China's naval power.