Speaking at the Pentagon, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Kaine said US forces would actively pursue any Iranian-flagged ship or any ship attempting to provide material support to Iran, anywhere in the world.
He issued a clear warning to any targeted ship trying to evade the American blockade: “Turn back, or else be prepared to board. We will use force.”
Kane described the effort as a blockade of Iran’s ports and coastline, which will be implemented in Iran’s territorial sea and international waters. He also said that US forces present in other regions of the world, including the Pacific region, would also pursue ships linked to Iran.
This blockade applies to all ships
The blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, sailing to or from Iranian ports and also includes ‘dark fleet’ ships carrying Iranian oil. He describes these as such ships or those illegal or illegal ships that try to avoid international regulations, sanctions or insurance requirements.
Kane said more than 10,000 sailors, Marines and airmen are working to enforce the blockade using ships, planes and helicopters.
Any ship that comes close to the blockade is first warned to turn back, otherwise it will be boarded and captured. Kane said that warning shots and other tactics to increase tension could also be used.
’13 ships decided to return’
Kane said that till now there has been no need to board and capture any ship. “The 13 ships have wisely decided to return,” he said.