The US military is getting ready to board and seize Iran-linked oil tankers and other commercial ships in international waters. This action could happen within the next few days, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Citing unnamed US officials, the newspaper said American forces are planning these operations to tighten pressure on Iran. Reuters could not independently confirm the report.
US aims to disrupt Iranian oil trade.
The actions will target vessels that officials say carry Iranian crude or that support the regime’s shipping network. It is considered to be part of the bigger picture where attempts are being made to reduce Iranian revenues from its oil trade amid existing regional tensions.
Boarding ships on the high seas can be a delicate operation since it may increase the risk of direct conflict. The US Navy had done similar work before, but this new move indicates more aggressive action.
Tensions rise as new operations loom.
It should be noted that this event took place against the backdrop of a very tense political situation, namely, the start of new rounds of diplomacy between the United States and Iran in Islamabad on Monday.
At the moment, the White House did not make any official statement regarding information from the Wall Street Journal. If the operation takes place, then it will become a landmark event in the implementation of the policy of the current U.S. administration regarding Iran.
The shipping industry and oil traders began to follow events carefully. It is possible that any such seizures will have an effect on oil logistics around the world and increase the cost of marine insurance for vessels navigating in these waters.
Pakistan, which hosts upcoming talks between Washington and Tehran, will be interested in how things will unfold further.
