US Prepares to Seize Iranian-Linked Vessels in International Waters

The United States is preparing military operations to board and seize Iranian-linked oil tankers and commercial vessels in international waters beyond the Middle East, according to American officials. This marks a significant expansion of Washington's naval campaign against Tehran.

The reported strategy aims to intensify economic pressure on Iran, compelling its authorities to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and make concessions regarding its nuclear program. The move follows a series of conflicting announcements from Tehran concerning the vital shipping lane.

On April 17, Iran declared it would open the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels until the end of a ceasefire announced on April 8. However, this decision was abruptly reversed the following day, on April 18, when Iranian officials announced the strait was returning under their "strict control."

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated he will not lift the blockade on Iranian ports until a peace agreement is finalized. He has claimed Tehran promised not to close the Strait again and accepted all terms of a future deal, including halting its nuclear program.

These assertions have been strongly denied by Iranian officials. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, a representative of the Iranian parliament, accused the U.S. President of waging a media war and manipulating public opinion.