Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• U.S. military prepares to board Iran-linked tankers and seize ships in international waters — According to U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. military is preparing in coming days to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters, expanding its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East.
• U.S. military prepared to seize Iranian-linked oil tankers in international waters — The U.S. military announced preparation to board and seize commercial vessels linked to Iran in international waters as part of efforts to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon its nuclear program. The operation, termed "Economic Fury," follows the U.S. Navy's prior forcing of 23 ships to turn back from Iranian ports. The administration intends to take control of vessels globally that provide material support to Iran, including "dark fleet" vessels carrying Iranian oil.
• General Daniel Caine announced pursuit of Iranian-flagged vessels and dark fleet ships — General Daniel Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced that the U.S. military would "actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran," including dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil. Dark fleet vessels are defined as illicit or illegal ships evading international regulations, sanctions, insurance requirements, or other legal obligations.