Florida, April 25 (ANI): The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) intercepted an Iranian-flagged vessel during an ongoing maritime security operation.
According to US officials, the vessel was monitored on April 24 as it attempted to sail toward an Iranian port. The USS Rafael Peralta moved to halt its progress, leading to a boarding operation and subsequent investigation by naval personnel.
The interception comes as part of a broader US enforcement strategy. Speaking at a press briefing at the Department of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stated that the United States will continue to implement a firm maritime blockade targeting Iran.
General Caine emphasized that the US military remains prepared to resume major combat operations if directed by the President. He noted that the blockade applies to commercial vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports, under directives issued by the President and the Secretary of Defense.
In coordination with the US Department of Justice, the military has been conducting global maritime interdiction operations against sanctioned vessels and those linked to what officials describe as Iran’s “dark fleet.” This campaign began on April 8, and as of Friday morning, 34 vessels have reportedly turned back after encountering US enforcement measures.
Providing operational details, General Caine highlighted the interdiction of the motor vessel Touska. After multiple warnings, US Marines boarded and seized the vessel using helicopter insertion techniques.
“Via helicopters, US Marines maneuvered quickly to the disabled ship, boarded her using fast-rope infiltration methods, and took custody of the vessel. The ship and her crew remain safe in US custody,” General Caine said.
The scope of operations has expanded beyond the Middle East into the Indo-Pacific region. On April 20, US forces intercepted the motor tanker Tiffany, a very large crude carrier transporting approximately two million barrels of what officials described as sanctioned Iranian oil.
Another interdiction followed on April 22, when a stateless tanker, Majestic X, also known as Ponix, was seized in the Indian Ocean under similar circumstances.
“Both vessels, the Tiffany and the Majestic X, along with their crews, remain in US custody. We will continue similar maritime interdiction actions across the Pacific and Indian Oceans against Iranian vessels and those linked to the ‘dark fleet,’” General Caine added.
General Caine reiterated that CENTCOM is enforcing a strict blockade on all Iranian ports, applying to vessels of any nationality transiting to or from Iranian territory.
“We’re closely tracking vessels heading toward Iran as well as those departing from it. We are prepared and positioned to intercept them,” he said.
Reflecting on the broader historical context, General Caine also commemorated the victims of the April 18, 1983, bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut, describing it as a defining moment in attacks against American personnel.
“Today we remember them and remain grateful for their sacrifice,” he said, noting that four US service members were among those killed.
He added that military leadership remains “deeply humbled by the spirit, tenacity, and commitment” of personnel currently engaged in ongoing operations. (ANI)
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