Iran Blockade Applies to All Ships To and From Its Ports, Says It Will Continue “for as Long as It Takes”

WASHINGTON, Apr 16: The US blockade on Iran applies to all vessels heading to or from Iranian ports, regardless of nationality, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine said Thursday, describing the operation as a broad maritime enforcement campaign targeting Iran’s coastline and port infrastructure.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Caine said the measures are being enforced in Iranian territorial waters and international waters, but do not constitute a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz itself. “This blockade applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports,” he said, adding that US forces would also pursue vessels suspected of providing material support to Iran, including so-called “dark fleet” oil tankers.

He said more than 10,000 US personnel, alongside over a dozen ships and dozens of aircraft, are involved in the operation.

Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the blockade would remain in place “for as long as it takes,” warning that Iran’s energy sector and military assets are under close surveillance. He said US forces are tracking Iranian movements and could strike critical infrastructure if ordered, while insisting the US military is already restricting Iran’s energy flows and maintaining overwhelming naval dominance in the region.