The pressure campaign on Iran is going global.
The U.S. military is expanding its blockade beyond the Persian Gulf, warning it will track and intercept Iranian-linked vessels far from the region’s key oil chokepoint.
Gen. Dan Caine said Thursday that U.S. forces will “actively pursue” Iranian-flagged ships and any vessels supporting Tehran’s regime worldwide.
The move dramatically widens enforcement of President Donald Trump’s blockade strategy, first announced earlier this week targeting Iran’s access to global oil markets.
At the center of the effort is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical artery through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply flows.
Caine said operations won’t stop there.
“The joint force… will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” he said, pointing to expanded monitoring in regions including the Indo-Pacific under Adm. Samuel Paparo.
That includes so-called “dark fleet” tankers—ships accused of evading sanctions and moving Iranian oil outside regulated channels.
“These are illicit or illegal ships evading international regulations, sanctions or insurance requirements,” Caine said.
NEW: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine explains the American naval force maintaining the Iranian blockade:
"As attempted blockade runners attempt to hop the line, US forces began to commit. Out in front of them was a range of intelligence, surveillance,… pic.twitter.com/lo0VgUBPjg
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 16, 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a blunt message to Tehran:
“To Iran: Choose wisely,” Hegseth said. “I pray you choose a deal… for the betterment of your people and for the betterment of the world.”
“In the meantime, the War Department is locked and loaded.”
JUST IN: Secretary of War Hegseth delivers a blunt message — to U.S. troops and directly to Iran.
"To those troops… you are showing the world what it means to be an American warrior."
"And to Iran, choose wisely." pic.twitter.com/UUAShz9NPy
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 16, 2026
The blockade itself was rolled out rapidly.
U.S. Central Command confirmed by Tuesday that restrictions targeting Iranian ports were fully in place, following Trump’s initial announcement on Sunday.
Officials stressed the action is not a full shutdown of global shipping lanes.
Caine emphasized that vessels not tied to Iran can still pass through Hormuz, aiming to avoid a broader disruption to international trade.
“Let me be clear,” he said. “This blockade applies to all ships… heading into or from Iranian ports.”
“The U.S. action is a blockade of Iran’s ports and coastline, not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.”
Enforcement, he added, will take place inside Iran’s territorial waters—a distinction meant to contain escalation while maintaining pressure.
Still, the expanded scope signals a sharper phase in Washington’s strategy: squeeze Iran’s oil lifeline, isolate its shipping network, and force a decision.
