U.S. Military Prepares to Board and Seize Iran-Linked Tankers in International Waters
The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reports that the U.S. military is preparing in the coming days to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial vessels in international waters — an expansion of its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East.
The operation is part of a broader strategy to increase economic pressure on Tehran, with the goal of forcing Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and make concessions on its nuclear program.
U.S. Central Command has already declared its maritime blockade “fully implemented,” with Admiral Brad Cooper stating that U.S. forces have halted all economic maritime trade entering or exiting Iran by sea. CENTCOM has ordered 23 vessels to turn around since the blockade took effect.
Iran has responded by reversing its earlier decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing the U.S. port blockade. I₹GC gunboats also fired on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, and Supreme Leader Mojt∆ba Kh∆menei stated his navy is ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on adversaries.
President Trump has warned that the current ceasefire will not be extended past Wednesday unless nuclear negotiations produce an agreement.
Source: The Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / U.S. Central Command
Military Cognizance | Verified. Sourced. Accurate.
The US is behaving exactly like Somali pirates.
Yes, this is piracy.