US Navy Continues Enforcement of Blockade on Iranian Ports
The United States Navy has continued to demonstrate its ability to enforce its blockade on Iranian ports, intercepting multiple vessels in recent days that were shipping Iranian oil in violation of the blockade. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), 33 Iranian or Iranian-linked vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port since the start of the blockade on April 13.
One such vessel was the M/T Majestic X, a stateless tanker transporting oil from Iran that was intercepted by US forces in the Indian Ocean within the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. The Majestic X, which previously operated under a Guyanese flag as the Phonix, has been involved in helping Iran export oil in the past.
The US Navy‘s efforts to enforce its blockade on Iranian ports have been ongoing since April 13, with CENTCOM announcing that it has directed multiple vessels to turn around or return to port. In addition to the Majestic X, at least four other vessels east of the blockade line in the Indian Ocean have been intercepted by US forces in recent days.
These vessels all share a common characteristic: they are under US sanctions and are transporting Iranian oil. The US Navy‘s actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing its blockade on Iranian ports and preventing the export of Iranian oil in violation of international sanctions.
IRGC Dominance and Regime Unity
Meanwhile, tensions between different factions within the Iranian regime have been escalating, with some officials calling for a more moderate approach while others continue to prioritize ideological purity. According to sources close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the IRGC, continues to support Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to retain the nuclear program.
Vahidi’s views are reportedly at odds with those of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been unable to seriously impact Iranian decision-making due to injuries sustained during the war. Khamenei is heavily reliant on the advice and guidance of senior IRGC commanders, including Vahidi, who prioritize ideological purity and hard power over the economy and well-being of Iranian citizens.
Despite these tensions, the Iranian regime has presented a united front in response to US actions, with state media reporting that air defense systems have been activated in Tehran and several unnamed cities in response to the presence of “small drones” in Iranian airspace. The IRGC-affiliated media correspondent claimed that air defenses were activated in response to hostile threats.
Satellite Imagery Confirms Strikes on IRGC Ground Forces Fath Aviation Base
Satellite imagery has confirmed that a combined force struck four helicopters at the IRGC Ground Forces Fath Aviation Base in Alborz Province between March 27 and April 6. The strikes were previously reported by Iranian state media, which claimed that air defense systems had been activated to “counter hostile threats.”
The satellite imagery also confirms that multiple strikes targeting north of the base were conducted on March 17. The strikes are believed to be part of a larger campaign aimed at disrupting IRGC operations and weakening its ability to support Iranian military efforts.
In response to these developments, US forces have continued to demonstrate their ability to enforce their blockade on Iranian ports, intercepting multiple vessels in recent days that were shipping Iranian oil in violation of the blockade. The US Navy‘s actions are a clear indication of its commitment to enforcing international sanctions and preventing the export of Iranian oil.
Original Article: Iran War Week 8: five ships under US sanctions intercepted while transporting Iranian oil — Dailykos