Global escalation: US Navy to seize Iranian ships worldwide

Maritime security experts warn that the global pursuit of Iran-linked ships could raise tensions with third-party nations and complicate international shipping lanes.

By Gila Isaacson, JFeed

The United States is set to dramatically expand its naval pressure on Iran, with American forces preparing in the coming days to board and seize Iran-linked oil tankers and commercial vessels even in international waters far from the Middle East, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The move broadens an existing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports that went into effect earlier this week. U.S. officials say the operation aims to cut off Iran’s oil exports and material support by targeting not only ships near Iranian waters but also so-called “dark fleet” vessels operating globally to evade sanctions.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine stated that U.S. forces “will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” including those carrying Iranian oil, anywhere in the world.

“This includes dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil,” Caine added. “The joint force… will actively pursue” such ships.

The blockade, enforced by more than 10,000 U.S. personnel, warships, and aircraft, has already halted maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, with multiple vessels turning back after warnings. No ships have successfully breached the blockade so far.

The escalation comes amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. President Trump has maintained that the naval measures will remain in place until a deal is reached.

Maritime security experts warn that the global pursuit of Iran-linked ships could raise tensions with third-party nations and complicate international shipping lanes, particularly for vessels suspected of carrying Iranian crude or dual-use goods.

The Pentagon has not yet commented on the exact timing of the first planned boardings in international waters outside the Persian Gulf region.

Iran has threatened retaliatory measures, including repeated claims of restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.