America is planning an aggressive response to Iran’s action Saturday to close the Strait of Hormuz, according to a new report.
After Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it would block any ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the United States is preparing to ramp up its naval crackdown on any ship, anywhere, that is linked to Iran.
U.S. forces will board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships sailing in international waters, according to a report inThe Wall Street Journal.
“The Trump administration’s decision to step up the economic pressure on Tehran is intended to force the regime to re-open the strait and make concessions on its nuclear program, which has been the focus of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran,” the outlet reported.
On Friday, Iranian officials and President Donald Trump said the strait was open, according toThe New York Times.
Less than a day later, the IRGC statement saying the strait was closed came as two Indian-flagged ships were attacked while trying to pass through the strait.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said one tanker was fired upon by two Iranian gunships. A container ship was hit by an “unknown projectile,” it said.
Iran said it was responding to the blockade of its ports.
“The Americans have announced a blockade in recent days; this is a reckless and misguided decision,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said.
“It is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while we cannot. If the United States does not lift the blockade, transit through the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be restricted,” he added.
Source: VidNews » Feed
