The US military broadcasted a final warning to ships that they would be subject to the force of the “whole of the United States Navy” if they violated the full blockade of Iran’s ports, according to newly released audio.
The message, uploaded on social media by US Central Command, warned of severe consequences to all vessels attempting to enter or leave the Islamic republic’s ports as part of the American blockade that went into effect on Monday morning.
“The US has announced a formal blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas. This is illegal action,” the military said in the broadcast.
“All vessels are advised to immediately return to port if leaving and discontinue transit to Iran,” CENTCOM added. “Do not attempt to breach the blockade.
“Vessels will be boarded for interdiction and seizure transiting to or from Iranian ports. Turn around and prepare to be boarded.
“If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force. The whole of the United States Navy is ready to force compliance,” the message concluded.
CENTCOM has deployed more than two dozen warships and 10,000 service members to enforce the blockade along the Gulf of Oman, intercepting Iranian-linked ships that cross through the Strait of Hormuz.
As of Tuesday afternoon, CENTCOM said 10 vessels were forced to make a U-turn in the face of the US blockade, with zero ships breaking through.
Among the ships was an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that left port in Bandar Abbas, which was caught by a US destroyer in the Gulf of Oman.
“The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is heading back to Iran,” CENTCOM said.
Only ships leaving and dealing with Iran are subject to the blockade, according to CENTCOM.
