Joint Chiefs chair Caine says 13 ships have been turned around by U.S. blockade, but none boarded yet

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said that while the ceasefire with Iran remains in place, U.S. forces are "postured and ready to resume major combat operations at literally a moment's notice."

Caine provided an update on the ongoing U.S. blockade, saying it applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading to or from Iranian ports, and now vessels subject to U.S. sanctions or carrying suspected contraband.

"The U.S. action is a blockade of Iran's ports and coastline, not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz," he stressed.

Caine said enforcement of the blockade was taking place in the waters around Iran as well as international waters, and he reiterated that it now includes "dark-fleet" vessels carrying Iranian energy products that seek to evade international regulations, sanctions or insurance requirements.

Caine said more than 10,000 U.S. sailors, Marines and airmen, as well as 12 ships and dozens of aircraft, were part of the operation enforcing the blockade.

He said 13 ships had thus far made the "wise choice" to turn around, and no ships have been boarded by U.S. forces yet as part of the blockade enforcement. 

"If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force," Caine warned.