Trump's Iran Blockade: The Warships Poised to Enforce It | WSJ

TL;DR

The US is enforcing an Iran naval blockade using 15+ warships, aircraft carriers, and special forces to intercept ships and cut off Iran's economy.

Key Points

• 1.Over 15 US warships in the Middle East are positioned to enforce the blockade. Key assets include the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier in the Arabian Sea for aerial boardings, the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship with a trained marine interception unit, and multiple guided missile destroyers — all operating outside the Persian Gulf to avoid Iran's coastline risks.
• 2.Boarding operations range from routine to hostile depending on vessel compliance. Any warship can conduct a 'right of visit' boarding under international law, but if a ship resists, Navy SEALs or Marines can execute a forced boarding — as previously done when special operations forces boarded an oil tanker near Iceland that fled the Venezuela blockade.
• 3.The US has flexible interception options extending far beyond the Gulf region. Boarding could be launched from Saudi or UAE territory if permitted, or delayed until ships reach the Indian Ocean or even the Pacific — a tactic used during the Venezuela blockade — with experts noting blockades work slowly but the mere threat alone may deter Iran's trade.