'Will Actively Pursue': US To Target Iran-Linked Ships Worldwide Amid Blockade Pressure

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 08:06 IST

US authorizes global interception of Iran-linked ships carrying weapons, oil, metals and electronics; 10,000 US troops enforce blockade; 14 ships turned back

The United States has significantly expanded its campaign against Iran’s maritime activity, moving beyond a port blockade to a broader global effort targeting ships linked to Tehran or suspected of supplying weapons to it.

The move allows US forces worldwide to intercept vessels carrying a wide range of goods—from weapons to oil, metals, and electronics—that could support Iran’s government, Associated Press reported. Follow for live updates

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted that operations are not limited to the Middle East. He noted a growing focus on the Pacific, where US forces are tracking ships that departed before the blockade was imposed near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. Forces across different regions, he said, “will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran."

A newly issued notice outlines an extensive definition of contraband. It includes “absolute contraband" such as weapons and ammunition, as well as “conditional contraband" like oil, metals, and industrial goods that may have both civilian and military uses. Items such as electronics or heavy machinery can also be seized if “circumstances indicate intended military end-use." The notice adds that such goods are “subject to capture at any place beyond neutral territory."

More than 10,000 US troops are involved in enforcing the blockade, though no vessels have yet been boarded. Officials say ships are being warned they could face escalation if they attempt to evade US forces. “Any ship that would cross the blockade would result in our sailors executing pre-planned tactics designed to bring the force to that ship — if need be, board the ship and take her over," Caine said.

In the first three days of the military action, 14 vessels reportedly turned back. Others have reduced activity or turned off their radio transponders, while US forces continue surveillance-backed operations to monitor and intercept maritime traffic.

News world 'Will Actively Pursue': US To Target Iran-Linked Ships Worldwide Amid Blockade Pressure

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