The U.S. has threatened to use force against ships attempting to circumvent the blockade of Iran
The U.S. has stated that it will use force against ships attempting to circumvent the blockade of Iran. The Pentagon has warned that ships are being given a choice: turn back or be stopped. According to military officials, 13 ships have already changed course, reports The Times of Israel.
Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane stated that the U.S. military is prepared to take firm action against any vessels linked to Iran or those attempting to deliver resources there.
Speaking at the Pentagon, he issued a direct warning: U.S. forces will pursue such vessels worldwide—both in international waters and near Iran. “Turn back or prepare for inspection… We will use force,” Kane declared.
According to him, this amounts to a full-scale blockade of Iranian ports and the coastline. It applies to all vessels—regardless of their flag—heading to Iran or departing from its ports.
Separately, Kane mentioned the so-called “ghost fleet”—ships that transport Iranian oil while circumventing sanctions and international regulations. “These are ships that evade international requirements, sanctions, or insurance,” he explained.
According to the general, more than 10,000 military personnel—sailors, marines, and aircrew—are involved in the operation. They are using ships, planes, and helicopters to monitor the situation. Kane emphasized that every vessel first receives a warning. If it does not respond, warning shots and other coercive measures may be used.
So far, he said, it hasn’t come to the use of force. “Thirteen vessels made the right choice and turned back,” he noted.
The general also described the complexity of such operations. “It’s like driving a sports car through a crowded parking lot on a weekend,” Kane said, adding that the military has to act very cautiously to avoid creating additional risks.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hagset also stated that American troops in the Middle East are ready to resume combat operations if Iran does not agree to a peace deal.
Israel announced that it had eliminated two armed individuals in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
At least two Iranian tankers managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, likely using a detour route despite U.S. control.
