US Plans to Seize Iran-Linked Ships as Trade Hits Standstill

The United States is preparing to seize Iranian-linked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal cited by The Jerusalem Post. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, with over 30 commercial ships currently transiting toward the strategic waterway, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global oil flows.

U.S. Officials have indicated that the planned seizures would target vessels suspected of violating sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, particularly those linked to entities under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation, if carried out, would mark a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Tehran, which has faced increasing restrictions on its ability to export crude since the reimposition of U.S. Sanctions in 2018.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, has become a focal point of U.S.-Iran tensions. Recent satellite and maritime tracking data show a buildup of commercial vessels approaching the strait, many of which are believed to be carrying Iranian crude or condensate destined for Asian markets. Analysts suggest that Iran may be attempting to export stored oil before potential U.S. Interdiction efforts take effect.

IDNFinancials.com reported that U.S. Naval forces have already observed a near-complete standstill in activity at Iran’s major ports, including Bandar Abbas and Kharg Island, suggesting that export capacity has been severely constrained. The outlet noted that Iran has not successfully loaded a major oil tanker for export in over two months, a sign that existing sanctions and maritime interdiction efforts are already impacting Tehran’s revenue streams.

Further reporting from VOI.id confirmed that more than 30 commercial vessels are currently sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz, with several flying flags of convenience and displaying atypical routing patterns consistent with efforts to evade detection. Maritime security experts warn that any U.S. Attempt to seize such vessels could provoke a response from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, which has previously engaged in harassment and seizure of foreign ships in the Gulf.

The Trump administration has not publicly confirmed the details of the planned operation, but officials have reiterated that all options remain on the table to prevent Iran from evading sanctions. In past statements, U.S. Officials have emphasized that freedom of navigation in international waters will be upheld, while also asserting the right to interdict vessels suspected of sanction violations under existing legal frameworks.

Iranian officials have dismissed U.S. Claims of a blockade as psychological warfare, maintaining that the country continues to export oil through clandestine channels. However, independent energy analysts and shipping data providers have noted a sharp decline in Iran’s reported oil exports over the past 60 days, with tanker tracking showing fewer vessels departing Iranian terminals than at any point since 2019.

The potential seizure of Iranian-linked ships raises concerns about retaliatory actions, including the possibility of Iran mining the Strait of Hormuz or increasing support for proxy groups in the region. Regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have urged restraint, warning that any escalation could disrupt energy markets and trigger broader instability.

As of April 18, 2026, no seizures have been reported, but maritime monitoring services indicate heightened U.S. Naval presence in the Gulf, including the deployment of additional destroyers and patrol aircraft. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels reportedly open but strained, and the outcome of any U.S. Action likely to depend on real-time assessments of vessel behavior and legal justification under international law.