Published 1 month ago • loading... • Updated 30 days ago
Pentagon Says 13 Ships Turned Away From Strait of Hormuz Blockade
On Thursday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine announced the United States has expanded its naval blockade of Iran to target "dark fleet" vessels carrying material support globally, including in the Pacific.
Washington implemented the blockade on Monday following Iran's seizure of the Strait of Hormuz, where Tehran established a preferential transit system that blocked most vessels bound for neighboring Arab states.
U.S. forces have successfully turned away 13 ships in the first 36 hours of the operation, targeting the 90% of Iran's economy fueled by seaborne trade, according to CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran's military leadership on Thursday that the U.S. is "watching you," stating that a poor choice would bring "bombs dropping on infrastructure, power, and energy."
As the two-week ceasefire nears expiration next week, uncertainty remains regarding whether President Donald Trump will extend military operations against Iran while the fragile agreement hangs by a thread.