US launches global naval campaign to board and seize Iran aligned vessels

The administration of Donald Trump has launched a global naval campaign dubbed "Economic Fury," aimed at boarding and seizing vessels linked to Iran in international waters, as part of a broader effort to pressure Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear programme.

The expansion of US naval operations beyond the Middle East reflects what some analysts describe as a "maximalist approach" designed to force Iran to reopen the strait and make concessions, says the Wall Street Journal.

Under the strategy, US forces are pursuing Iranian-flagged ships and vessels suspected of providing material support to Iran, with a focus on so-called "dark fleet" tankers that evade sanctions and regulatory oversight.

"The US 'will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,' ... 'This includes dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil. As most of you know, dark fleet vessels are those illicit or illegal ships evading international regulations, sanctions or insurance requirements,'" said Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

US Central Command has already turned back 23 vessels attempting to depart Iranian ports, according to officials familiar with the operation. Legal experts say the approach combines a naval blockade near Iran, the global seizure of sanctioned vessels, and enforcement actions against shipments of prohibited goods such as missile components.

"It's a maximalist approach. If you want to put the screws down on Iran, you want to use every single legal authority you have to do that," said Mark Nevitt, an associate professor at Emory University Law School.

The economic campaign is being reinforced by financial and legal measures. The US Treasury has expanded sanctions targeting the network of oil trader Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, while the Justice Department is pursuing prosecutions of illicit oil traders and seeking seizure warrants for vessels suspected of sanctions violations. The effort is being led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

The push for economic leverage has intensified following the collapse of peace talks in Pakistan and the expected expiry of a temporary ceasefire. While US forces remain prepared for escalation, officials say the administration is seeking to avoid direct military action.

US forces were "'maximally postured' to resume military operations if talks fail," said Pete Hegseth.

At the same time, the White House signalled that the strategy is intended to support diplomacy.

President Trump is "optimistic that the naval blockade, combined with measures imposed under Economic Fury, will help facilitate a peace deal," said Anna Kelly.

Despite sustained damage to Iran's defence industry from earlier strikes, officials say Tehran retains thousands of missiles and has begun retrieving launch systems from storage, signalling preparations in case fighting resumes.

Even so, US officials indicate that neither Washington nor Tehran appears eager to return to full-scale conflict, as both sides weigh the risks of further escalation.