CENTCOM Releases Video Of US Navy Enforcing Blockade Of Iranian Ports & Trade Routes

The US Navy has released a video showing forces enforcing a naval blockade around Iranian port facilities.

The footage shows a helicopter-borne machine gunner warning a cargo vessel to turn back.

The soldier can be seen aiming a heavy-calibre weapon at the ship while issuing a radio warning.

“This is United States Warship 115. You are entering an area of a military blockade,” a voice says over the radio in the footage.

“Any vessel with further intent to enter or exit an Iranian port will be subject to the right of visit and search. If you attempt to run the blockade, we will compel compliance with force.”

According to CENTCOM, 27 ships have been directed to turn around or return to an Iranian port, in what it says is a just action to strictly enforce the naval blockade of Iran’s Ports and maritime routes.

In another incident, U.S forces boarded an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel coming from China and heading to Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port.

According to CENTCOM, the ship was issued warnings for 6 hours, but its crew did not listen, which is why U.S Marines boarded the vessel, which is now under U.S custody.

Maritime security sources said the ship was suspected of carrying dual-use materials with potential military applications.

Iran has rejected the claim, accused the U.S. of ‘armed piracy’ and vowed to give America a strong and calculated response soon.

Tehran added that it could have responded in what they called “blatant aggression”, but the presence of civilians, including crew members’ families, prevented them from taking that road.

China, which is a principal buyer of Iranian oil, also expressed concern over the U.S interception and confiscation of the Iranian vessel.

U.S President Donald Trump has warned Iran not to use Hormuz as a leverage in the conflict while stating that America could bomb Tehran’s critical infrastructure if it does not comply with U.S demands.

Iran said that any such measure would invite retaliation against the energy and water infrastructure of its Gulf neighbours that house U.S bases.