Speaking during a Pentagon briefing on Friday, Hegseth said the U.S. military campaign originally focused on the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal waters has widened to include Iranian-linked vessels operating across international sea lanes.

According to officials, U.S. forces have already intercepted or turned back more than 30 ships suspected of transporting Iranian oil or violating sanctions, as part of a broader effort to restrict Tehran’s export capacity and maritime influence.

Expansion of maritime enforcement

Hegseth described the blockade as “fluid and expanding,” indicating that U.S. naval operations are no longer limited to the Gulf region.

“Any vessel that meets the criteria whether heading to or from Iranian ports or linked to sanctioned networks is subject to interdiction,” he said, according to officials present at the briefing.

He added that the operation is being supported by additional naval deployments, including an expanded carrier presence in the Middle East and Indian Ocean regions, aimed at tracking Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers.

Recent military actions include the seizure of tankers in the Indian Ocean and the interception of ships accused of transporting Iranian crude outside legal export channels.

Strategic chokepoint under pressure

The blockade is heavily concentrated around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil flows. U.S. officials say Iran has attempted to assert counter-control over shipping lanes, including imposing tolls and briefly restricting passage during heightened tensions.

The U.S. maintains that the maritime operation is designed to enforce sanctions and deter what it describes as Iranian destabilization of global energy routes.

Escalating military and diplomatic tension

The expanded blockade comes amid ongoing U.S.–Iran tensions that have included ship seizures, drone activity and competing claims of control over Gulf shipping lanes. Recent operations have seen both sides detain or redirect commercial vessels, increasing instability in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

At the same time, Washington has kept diplomatic channels open. Hegseth reiterated that Iran still has an opportunity to reach a negotiated settlement with the United States, warning that continued defiance would bring further economic and military pressure.

“This blockade is the polite version of what can happen next,” he previously warned, signaling that military escalation remains on the table if negotiations fail.

Global implications

Analysts warn that the widening maritime crackdown could have significant consequences for global oil markets, shipping insurance costs and supply chain stability. Oil prices have already risen sharply amid disruptions in Gulf shipping routes.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain fragile, with no confirmed breakthrough in ceasefire or long-term agreement talks between Washington and Tehran.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The attacks, which occurred over the past several days, targeted fuel tankers and cargo ships traveling through one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, raising concerns about global trade disruptions and the safety of civilian seafarers.

Tankers Set Ablaze in Iraqi Waters

According to maritime security officials and port authorities, explosive-laden boats believed to be linked to Iranian forces attacked two fuel tankers carrying Iraqi fuel cargo in waters near Basra. The vessels Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros caught fire following the assault, forcing crews to abandon parts of the ships.

Rescue teams later recovered the body of one foreign crew member from the water, while search operations continued for other missing sailors. Most crew members were successfully evacuated and taken to safety in nearby countries.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly acknowledged firing on one vessel, suggesting one of the first direct engagements with commercial shipping since the latest phase of the conflict began.

Additional Ships Damaged by Projectiles

Three more merchant ships were damaged in separate incidents across Gulf waters. Among them was the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which suffered significant damage and caught fire after being struck by a projectile while transiting the region. Several crew members were evacuated, while others were initially reported missing.

Other vessels targeted included the Japanese-flagged container ship ONE Majesty, which sustained minor hull damage while anchored in Gulf waters, and the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, which was struck in its cargo hold area by an unidentified projectile. Both ships remained operational after inspections confirmed the damage was limited.

Global Shipping Route Under Threat

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical chokepoints for global energy supplies, handling roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the narrow waterway can have immediate consequences for international energy markets and shipping operations.

Since the latest round of hostilities began in late February, at least 16 ships have reportedly been struck or damaged across the Gulf region, according to maritime risk monitoring agencies.

The ongoing attacks have caused shipping traffic to slow dramatically as many companies avoid the route or delay voyages until security conditions improve. Insurance costs for vessels entering the area have also surged due to the growing risk of missile, drone and small-boat attacks.

International Concerns and Economic Impact

The attacks have triggered alarm among governments and shipping companies worldwide. The Gulf region plays a vital role in global trade, particularly in the transport of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.

Analysts warn that continued instability could drive oil prices sharply higher and disrupt supply chains worldwide. Some countries that rely heavily on Gulf oil imports have already begun seeking alternative suppliers amid fears of prolonged disruption.

Merchant Ships Caught in the Crossfire

Industry experts say the recent attacks highlight how civilian vessels have become unintended front-line targets in geopolitical conflicts. With naval escorts limited and tensions escalating, commercial crews navigating the Gulf face increasing danger.

Shipping associations have called for stronger international naval coordination to protect maritime traffic, warning that failure to secure the route could severely affect global energy markets and trade flows.

Uncertain Outlook

As fighting in the region continues, security analysts fear that the attacks could signal the beginning of a broader “tanker war,” similar to the maritime clashes that occurred in the Gulf during the 1980s.

For now, merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz remain on high alert, with crews navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes under the constant threat of attack.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________