US Planning To Seize Iran-Linked Oil Tankers, Commercial Ships Worldwide

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 14:21 IST

US weighs global seizures of Iran linked oil tankers as Strait of Hormuz tensions rise, expands naval blockade, sanctions and enforcement to tighten economic pressure on Tehran.

The United States is examining plans to board and seize oil tankers and commercial vessels linked to Iran across the world. The move, still under discussion, signals a possible escalation in maritime pressure on Tehran.

Officials say the effort could extend beyond the Middle East, targeting ships suspected of transporting Iranian oil or providing material support to the country.

Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

The discussions come at a time of growing instability in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces fired on several commercial vessels on Saturday and declared the route under their “strict control".

This has disrupted shipping activity and forced companies to reconsider movements through the key waterway. The situation has also created confusion, especially after Iran earlier said the strait was open for business.

US strategy to pressurise Iran

According to reports, the proposed US action is aimed at tightening economic pressure on Tehran. By targeting oil shipments, Washington hopes to limit Iran’s revenue and push it to reopen the strait and make concessions in nuclear negotiations.

The plan could involve intercepting vessels linked to Iran’s so-called “dark fleet", which is often used to bypass sanctions and transport oil.

Naval blockade already in place

The United States has already taken steps in this direction. US Central Command said that 23 ships have been blocked from leaving Iranian ports as part of a wider naval blockade.

Officials have indicated that expanding this effort globally would bring more vessels under scrutiny, including those suspected of carrying weapons or sanctioned crude.

Warning from US military

US military leaders have issued clear warnings. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dan Caine, said the US would pursue any vessel linked to Iran or assisting it.

He also noted that ships operating outside standard tracking systems could be targeted under the expanded enforcement approach.

‘Economic fury’ campaign

The intensified campaign has been described by officials as “Economic Fury". It could involve US forces operating far beyond the Gulf region, marking a broader shift in strategy.

The approach reflects Washington’s focus on economic and maritime pressure rather than immediate ground deployment.

Stalled talks and ceasefire uncertainty

The developments come as a fragile ceasefire moves closer to its deadline. Recent negotiations held in Pakistan failed to produce any breakthrough, and no date has been set for the next round of talks.

Despite this, both sides appear to be preparing for multiple outcomes.

US response

US officials believe Iran still has a large stockpile of short- and medium-range missiles and has begun moving launch systems out of underground storage.

At the same time, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces are “maximally postured" in case fighting resumes, though there is caution about deploying ground troops.

Oil trade in focus

Iran exports around 1.6 million barrels of oil each day, much of it going to China through smaller refineries. This makes its shipping network a key target in the current strategy.

The US Treasury has already imposed fresh sanctions on ships, companies and individuals linked to Iran’s oil trade. Prosecutors are also preparing action against those involved in buying or selling sanctioned oil.

The United States has earlier tracked and seized vessels linked to other sanctioned countries, including operations in distant waters.

Officials now appear ready to apply similar tactics to Iran, signalling a wider maritime confrontation as tensions continue to rise.

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