The U.S. military is preparing to board tankers linked to Iran and seize commercial vessels in international waters in the coming days, according to reports.
U.S. Plans to Increase Economic Pressure on Iran
The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday, citing U.S. officials, that the U.S. military is preparing to board tankers associated with Iran and seize commercial ships on international waters.
The decision to increase economic pressure on Iran aims to compel the Tehran regime to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and make concessions regarding its nuclear program.
Iran Announces Temporary Opening of Strait of Hormuz
Iranian authorities announced Friday the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels during a truce in the ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel, which began on February 28th.
The ceasefire is set to expire late Tuesday night. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the opening of the waterway while simultaneously announcing the continuation of the American blockade of Iranian ports until a final agreement is reached.
On Saturday, Tehran announced a “return to the previous state and strict army control” over the waterway, and several commercial ships were reportedly attacked.
Expanded U.S. Operation to Target Iran-Affiliated Vessels Globally
The expanded U.S. operation, as reported by the WSJ, will allow the U.S. to take control of ships linked to Iran worldwide, including tankers transporting Iranian oil and vessels carrying arms that could support the Iranian regime.
The newspaper noted that most of the approximately 1.6 million barrels of oil exported daily from Iran goes to China.
U.S. Will “Actively Pursue” Ships Aiding Iran
On Thursday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine declared that the U.S. will “actively pursue” ships in shadow fleets assisting Iran, even if they are located outside the Persian Gulf.
He emphasized that these actions will be part of implementing a new phase of pressure on Tehran, which U.S. officials are calling Operation “Economic Fury.” Americans announced sanctions on additional entities linked to Iran on Wednesday.
Sanctions Target Iranian Oil Smuggling Network
The restrictions reportedly targeted an oil smuggling network managed by Mohammad Hoseyn Shamkani, an Iranian transportation magnate and son of the former Secretary-General of Iran’s National Security Council, Ali Shamkani, who was killed during a U.S.-Israeli attack between February and March.
White House Expects Maritime Blockade to Facilitate Agreement
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told the newspaper that Trump expects the maritime blockade of Iranian ports, which has resulted in 23 ships being turned back since Monday, combined with economic pressure, will help facilitate a peace agreement with Tehran.
Source
Natalia Dziurdzińska (PAP) from Washington
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