The U.S. Department of War announced at a press conference on the 16th (local time) that a total of 13 vessels have been turned back since the blockade operation began at 10 a.m. on Monday the 13th, and not a single vessel has managed to break through the blockade line.

In a press conference on Thursday morning, Secretary of War Pete Hegses stated that Iran, by asserting control and attempting to blockade a strait where ships of all nations should have free passage, had engaged in piracy, and that the U.S. military was taking measures to rectify this.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain clarified that the blockade operation is "to blockade Iran's ports and coastline, not to blockade the Strait of Hormuz," and explained that "these measures will be enforced in Iran's territorial waters and international waters."

Cain stated that the Pacific Fleet is jointly participating in operations to intercept vessels attempting to supply Iran, including illicit ships carrying Iranian oil.

According to Cain, the U.S. Navy transmits a warning message by radio to vessels approaching the blockade line, while simultaneously dispatching the air power of the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group and destroyers to those vessels.

This is to increase pressure so that the ship's captain can hear the radio warning and visually see the approaching U.S. Navy forces.

The radio warning message included instructions to turn back, as U.S. forces may board and inspect or seize the vessel. It also stated that force would be used if the blockade measures were not complied with.

Cain said that as of the morning of the 16th, there had been no need for the Central Command to board any specific vessels, and all ships had made "wise choices and turned back."

When asked about the morale of the soldiers, Commander of the Central Command Brad Cooper replied, "Morale is very high. Anyone in the military can tell you what the morale is in two seconds. It's very clear. These are motivated young men and women."

Meanwhile, Secretary Hegses rebutted the claim by former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent that the policy of "zero nuclear enrichment" was not President Trump's policy but was imposed by Israel.

Hegses stated that unlike Kent, he meets with the President almost daily and has attended all major meetings related to 'Operation Epic Fury,' and responded that "not a single thing has been forced upon the President of the United States." He added, "President Trump makes his own decisions in defending the interests of his country and our interests, and collaborates with our allies and partners, including Israel."

He further commented, "Israel is very willing and highly capable. We are grateful for that."

U.S. NNP=Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com