How the US Navy is blockading Iran

The US has deployed more than 15 warships to stop vessels trying to enter or leave Iranian ports, the Wall Street Journal has reported. These warships can launch troops and helicopters to go take control of a ship. They can also drive up alongside vessels and force them to go wherever they want.

These warships are operating outside the Persian Gulf to avoid the risk of going near Iran’s coastline, where they will be vulnerable to attack from drones and missiles. According to the US Department of War, the warships are positioned in the Gulf of Oman and in the Arabian Sea region.

Enforcement authority is not confined to waters near Iran — vessels could be boarded far from the Persian Gulf — even in distant international waters such as the Indian Ocean or Pacific Ocean.