White House Says Iran Naval Blockade and Economic Pressure Remain in Force

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Thursday that the U.S. naval blockade of Iran remained “in full force and effect” and that Operation Economic Outcast was severing the regime’s remaining economic lifelines. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said economic pressure would be Washington’s primary cost on Iran, while military action would remain available to protect U.S. interests and prevent threats to others. Shipping data showed 102 Strait of Hormuz transits last week and 126 the week before, compared with at least 130 daily before the war. The White House launched Operation Economic Outcast on August 24 to target Iranian oil, banking and shipping networks and apply secondary sanctions.