US Military Warns of Force Against Ships Violating Maritime Blockade

Washington: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has warned that the United States military is prepared to use force against any vessels violating maritime restrictions linked to Iran.

During a press briefing in Washington, General Caine said that a naval blockade has been imposed on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and that the restrictions apply in both Iranian territorial waters and international waters.

He stated that the blockade is not limited to any specific country and applies to all vessels regardless of nationality. According to him, the US military is fully prepared for any potential operation against Iran and will also track vessels suspected of assisting Iranian shipments.

General Caine further claimed that ships heading toward Iranian ports could be stopped and, if necessary, intercepted. He added that while no direct action has been taken against any vessel so far, the US forces remain ready for immediate deployment.

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He said the purpose of the blockade is to disrupt oil supply routes, adding that 13 ships have already been turned back under enforcement measures, significantly impacting Iran’s exports.

Separately, US naval authorities expanded the scope of restrictions to include vessels suspected of carrying prohibited cargo. A new advisory warned that such ships may be boarded and searched under the doctrine of “belligerent right of visit and search.”

Officials said prohibited goods include weapons, ammunition, nuclear materials, and petroleum products, as well as iron, steel, and aluminum shipments. They added that vessels falling under suspicion may be intercepted and inspected by US forces.

The move comes as tensions in the region continue to escalate, with Washington tightening maritime enforcement measures against Iran.