U.S. Marines aboard the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) monitor vessel traffic during a maritime interdiction operation. April 18, 2026. [Excerpt from U.S. Central Command]

U.S. military forces are preparing to board and seize Iranian-linked oil tankers and cargo ships in international waters in the coming days, according to U.S. officials speaking to The Wall Street Journal.

The U.S. boarding of Iranian vessels signifies a significant escalation of maritime pressure operations against Tehran.

The move comes amid Iranian attacks on several merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran's declaration that the strait is under its "strict" observation.

The escalating tensions have rattled shipping companies worldwide, with anxiety further fueled by mixed signals from the Iranian government regarding the openness of the strait.

The U.S. stated that the expanded operation, part of a broader campaign codenamed "Economic Fury," aims to pressure Iran into reopening the strait and making concessions in ongoing nuclear negotiations.

The U.S. military has already turned back 23 vessels attempting to depart Iranian ports, and officials have indicated that this new phase will target Iranian-linked ships globally, including oil tankers belonging to the so-called "dark fleet" used to evade sanctions.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has stated that the U.S. will track all vessels supporting Iran, while U.S. Indo-Pacific Command will be responsible for enforcement missions outside the Middle East.

These actions come ahead of the expiration of an interim ceasefire and amidst stalled diplomatic negotiations.

President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the increased economic pressure could lead to an agreement, despite significant issues remaining regarding Iran's uranium stockpile and potential sanctions relief.

Both sides appear to be preparing for a potential resurgence of conflict, with Iran maintaining its missile capabilities and the U.S. keeping its forces at "maximum combat readiness."

However, U.S. officials remain hesitant to deploy ground troops, citing the risks of escalation and domestic opposition, according to Newsmax.

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