'Turn Back or Face Action': US Soldier Warns Vessels in Hormuz Zone

Washington: Tension in the Gulf has reached a new and dangerous point. The US has tightened the maritime blockade around the Strait of Hormuz and ships are now being turned back at gunpoint. has made it clear that from April 13, all ships entering and leaving Iranian ports will be stopped. More than 10,000 American sailors, marines and airmen and more than a dozen warships are deployed in this mission. This tension on the world's most important oil route now seems to be taking the shape of a direct conflict.

Did the blockade video shock the world?

In the video released by the US, American soldiers are clearly seen descending from helicopters onto the ship with the help of ropes. This scene created a stir across the world. In the first 48 hours after the blockade began, no ship was successful in breaking the American siege. 

Did America force the ships to return?

According to the US Army, since the beginning of the blockade, 23 ships have followed American orders and made their way back. Gen. Dan Kane, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the ships were a "wise decision." 

Was there any direct action against the Iranian ship?

On 19 April, USS Spruance intercepted the Iranian cargo ship 'Touska' heading for Bandar Abbas. Repeated warnings were given for six hours, but the ship did not stop. After this, the American warship blew up Tauska's engine room with cannon and the American Marines descended on the ship with the help of a rope from a helicopter. This was the first ship seizure under the blockade.

Did Iran call it piracy?

Iran's military described the action as "armed piracy" and warned that it would soon respond. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that this is a gross violation of the ceasefire. Tehran argues that the blockade has completely destroyed the environment for negotiations.

Did China also jump into this controversy?

On April 14, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman described the US blockade as "dangerous and irresponsible." China is the largest buyer of oil from Iran and the closure of Hormuz is directly affecting its economy.

Is this tension now moving towards a major war?

Due to the blockade, Iran is losing 400 million dollars every day. On one hand, there are preparations for talks in Islamabad, on the other hand the Tauska seizure has dashed the hopes of talks. If no solution is found before the ceasefire deadline ends on Wednesday, the situation in the Gulf may go out of control.