US Prepares To Board Iran-Linked Ships Globally Following Iranian Gunboat Attack On Tanker In Hormuz

US Prepares To Board Iran-Linked Ships Globally Following Iranian Gunboat Attack On Tanker In Hormuz

TYLER DURDEN

Summary: 

• US officials: War may resume if no peace talks breakthrough: Axios
• Two Iranian gunboats Open Fire on a tanker near Oman; 2nd tanker hit by 'unknown projectile'.
• India summons Iranian ambassador to condemn incident
• Pentagon prepared to expand anti-vessel action, signals prepared to board Iran-linked ships globally
• Friday: Hormuz Open; Saturday: Hormuz Closed 
• Trump: Iran wanted to close up Strait again, can't blackmail us

WAR will Resume?

Not good, amid reports Pakistan peace talks could also resume, Monday perhaps:

US OFFICIAL TELLS AXIOS WAR MAY RESUME IF NO BREAKTHROUGH

President Trump convened a White House Situation Room meeting on Saturday morning to discuss the renewed crisis around the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations with Iran, according to two U.S. officials.

Reaction by India

New Delhi has summoned the Iranian ambassador to condemn the IRGC Navy's attack on one of its tankers earlier in the day:

US Prepares to Board Iran-Linked Ships Globally

According to the latest headlines there was a second tanker incident: a Container ship reportedly hit by 'unknown projectile' in second incident while other traffic stalls.

Meanwhile on Saturday the Pentagon is signaling yet another major escalation in the latest effort to reassert US leverage over the Hormuz crisis. It is preparing to expand the fight not just to the Hormuz/Persian Gulf regions, but broadly to the high seas.

"The U.S. military is preparing in coming days to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters, according to U.S. officials, expanding its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East," WSJreports. This means the American military will pursue vessels around the world that are helping Iran, as it steps up 'Economic Fury' as an extension of 'Epic Furty'. WSJ comments further:

The planning comes as the Iranian military continues to tighten its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, attacking several commercial vessels on Saturday as it declared the waterway was being “strictly controlled” by Iran. The developments sent shipping companies scrambling a day after Iran’s foreign minister said the strait was fully open to commercial traffic—an announcement that was welcomed by President Trump.

The past days have seen both sides try and declare and assert control over the vital waterway and their own blockade based on rival 'conditions' for ship passage. But all of this has meant a continued effective closure. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has cited that the US Navy has already turned back at least 23 ships after they were at Iranian ports. In the meantime Trump is still claiming Iran agreed to hand over its enriched uranium - or nuclear 'dust' - but Tehran has made clear it will never do so, dismissing this as a made-up fantasy.

Iranian Forces Open Fire On Tanker 

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reports that a tanker was "approached by 2 IRGC gunboats, with no VHF challenge, and then fired upon."

UKMTO did not provide any further details about the two Iranian vessels that fired on the tanker or the type of weapons used in the maritime incident, which was reported to have occurred 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.

Assume that President Trump is about to become absolutely furious on Truth Social. One can also assume that backchanneling and behind-the-scenes talks are not going well if an incident like this occurred ahead of the U.S.-Iran weekend negotiations.

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A Hostile Iran, A Threatened Israel, And A World On Edge

A Hostile Iran, A Threatened Israel, And A World On Edge

Ray Comfort 

If you are seeking a peg upon which to hang your intellectual hat, it’s Bible prophecy. As Islamic nations threaten to annihilate Israel, it’s causing many to turn with renewed interest to one particular chapter in the Bible. More than 2,500 years ago, this portion of Scripture actually named the nations that would attack Israel “in the latter years.”

Here are the key verses from Ezekiel 38: “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal…Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them…Gomer and all its troops…Togarmah from the far north…. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people…brought out of the nations…'” (Ezekiel 38:3,5-6, 8)

Look at how specific Jesus was about the fate of the Jews: “And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24).

After 2,000 years without a homeland, in 1948, they were gathered back to Israel and became a nation, perfectly fulfilling the words of Jesus. They were indeed “brought back from the sword” and “brought out of the nations.”

Let’s now look at the identity of those who will attack Israel. Most Bible commentators interpret “Magog” as Russia, as it is directly north of Israel. Meshech and Tubal are modern-day Turkey. Persia changed its name to Iran in 1935 and further changed it to the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979. Ancient Ethiopia is the land south of Egypt known as modern-day Sudan, and Gomer is said by some to be part of modern Turkey. According to the Bible, the nations that would attack Israel in the latter days are Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Libya, and Sudan.

Let’s now look at the identity of those who will attack Israel. Most Bible commentators interpret “Magog” as Russia, as it is directly north of Israel. Meshech and Tubal are modern-day Turkey. Persia changed its name to Iran in 1935 and further changed it to the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979. Ancient Ethiopia is the land south of Egypt known as modern-day Sudan, and Gomer is said by some to be part of modern Turkey. According to the Bible, the nations that would attack Israel in the latter days are Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Libya, and Sudan.

Is the war between Iran and Israel the start of World War III? It’s a question many are asking. If it isn’t, it certainly feels like the lighting of a fuse on a global powder keg—one that could easily explode into worldwide conflict.

For years, Iran has openly expressed its desire to wipe Israel off the map. And Israel’s greatest concern? That Iran might acquire nuclear weapons to turn that threat into reality. That concern isn’t irrational. While most nations view nuclear arms as a deterrent, Iran’s objective appears to be much more sinister. It aims to eradicate Israel, echoing the genocidal ambitions of Hitler.

The world is watching. Oil prices have skyrocketed. Global markets are shaken. For students of the Bible, these events resonate with prophetic familiarity.

Could this be tied to Bible prophecy?

Many believe so. In Ezekiel 38 and 39, Scripture speaks of a future attack on Israel by a coalition of nations. A key player mentioned is Persia—modern-day Iran: “Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them…” (Ezekiel 38:5)

Some believe we are witnessing the unfolding of these ancient prophecies in real time: a hostile Iran, a threatened Israel, and a world on edge, fearing nuclear war.

But for Christians, Jesus gave this comforting reminder: “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” — (Luke 21:28)

Prophecy shouldn’t just fuel curiosity—it should inspire urgency. It serves as a reminder that God sees the future, is in complete control, and calls us to maximize the time we have left to share the gospel. Prophecy is concrete evidence that the Scriptures are inspired by the Creator (as they claim)—because only God knows the future. That gives very real credibility to the Bible’s promise of everlasting life.

Times Of Israel Liveblogging: IRGC gunboats said to fire at tanker off Oman coast as Iran reimposes Hormuz closure

IRGC gunboats said to fire at tanker off Oman coast as Iran reimposes Hormuz closure

Times of Israel is liveblogging Saturday

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency says it received a report of a tanker being fired upon by what it said were “two gunboats linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)” 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.

The captain of the tanker said the two gunboats opened fire without issuing a radio challenge, UKMTO says in its advisory note, adding that the vessel and its crew were reported safe.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency says it received a report of a tanker being fired upon by what it said were “two gunboats linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)” 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.

The captain of the tanker said the two gunboats opened fire without issuing a radio challenge, UKMTO says in its advisory note, adding that the vessel and its crew were reported safe.

US ‘cannot impose their will’ and block Hormuz, Iran’s deputy FM says

The United States “cannot impose their will” and block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s deputy foreign minister says, after Iran’s military declared the waterway closed again.

“Americans cannot impose their will to do a siege over Iran while Iran, with good intention, is trying to facilitate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” Saeed Khatibzadeh tells journalists on the sidelines of an annual Turkish diplomatic forum in the southern province of Antalya.

US ‘cannot impose their will’ and block Hormuz, Iran’s deputy FM says

Iranian media says Tehran has not agreed to 2nd round of talks with US

Egyptian FM says Cairo working with Pakistan on US-Iran peace framework

Iran says it has reasserted control over Hormuz after US refuses to end blockade

 Iran swiftly reverses course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the critical waterway after the US says the move would not end its blockade.

The country’s joint military command says that the “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.”

It warns that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.

The announcement comes the morning after US President Donald Trump said the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear program.

Senior Hezbollah official says terror group ‘not concerned’ by Israel-Lebanon talks, labels them ‘a failure’

Senior Hezbollah official Mahmud Qamati says that his terror group was not concerned by Lebanon’s planned direct talks with Israel, labeling them a failure.

In a press conference in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Qamati says his terror group was “not concerned with the negotiations being conducted by the state,” saying they were “a failure, weak, defeated… and submissive negotiations.”

“The resistance is the one that imposes. We are the land… and we are the ones who draw up the decisions, not those who have an official status,” he says, adding that while his group did not mind Beirut “coordinating with us… not in this way that leads to surrender.”

CENTCOM says US forces have turned back 23 ships to Iranian ports

Since the United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, 23 ships have complied with US forces orders to turn back toward Iran, the US military says.

Littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) patrols the Arabian Sea during the U.S. blockade. Since commencement of the blockade, 23 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around. American forces are enforcing a maritime blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas.

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Iran reimposes Strait of Hormuz restrictions, accuses US of violating deal to reopen waterway

Iran reimposes Strait of Hormuz restrictions, accuses US of violating deal to reopen waterway

ToI Staff

Iran swiftly reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, reimposing restrictions on the critical waterway after the US said it would not end its blockade of Iran-linked shipping.

Iran’s joint military command said that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.”

It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.

Hours earlier, speaking to reporters US President Donald Trump had cited “some pretty good news” about Iran, declining to elaborate. But he also said fighting might resume without a peace deal by Wednesday, when a two-week ceasefire expires. On Friday evening, he had posted on Truth Social that “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again.”

Iran’s announcement came after Trump said Friday that even though Tehran announced the strait’s reopening, the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear program.

The ongoing conflict over the strait has threatened to deepen the energy crisis roiling the global economy after oil prices began to fall again on Friday, on hopes that the US and Iran were drawing closer to an agreement.

Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the strait and further limits would squeeze already constrained supply, driving prices higher once again.

Earlier Saturday, a convoy of oil tankers was observed crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the first major movement of ships in the crucial waterway since the US and Israel launched their war on the Iranian regime seven weeks ago.

The convoy was seen departing the Gulf and transiting the waterway, vessel-tracking data shows.

The group comprised four liquefied petroleum gas carriers and several oil product and chemical tankers, with more tankers following from the Gulf, according to MarineTraffic data.

Control over the strait has proven to be one of Iran’s main points of leverage and prompted the United States to deploy forces and initiate a blockade on Iranian ports as part of an effort to force Iran to accept a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire to end almost seven weeks of war that has raged between Israel, the US and Iran.

Iran said earlier this week that it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels after a 10-day truce was announced between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Trump on Saturday flatly rejected the idea of Iran imposing restrictions or tolls on the strait when asked by a reporter aboard Air Force One.

“Nope. No way. No. Nope,” Trump said. He said there can’t be tolls along with restrictions. “No, they’re not going to be tolls.”

Despite the escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistani officials say the United States and Iran are still moving closer to a deal ahead of the April 22 ceasefire deadline.

Even though mediators were optimistic, it was unclear to what extent Hezbollah would abide by a truce that it did not play a role in negotiating, and which would leave Israeli troops deployed in parts of southern Lebanon.

U.S. Space Command Warns Russia Planning ‘Space Pearl Harbor’ With Nuclear Weapon in Orbit (VIDEO)

U.S. Space Command Warns Russia Planning ‘Space Pearl Harbor’ With Nuclear Weapon in Orbit (VIDEO)

Ben Kew

Russia is reportedly developing a nuclear weapon designed to be deployed in space that could cripple global communications and cause widespread disruption.

General Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command, has admitted that Washington is “very concerned” about plans to place a nuclear anti-satellite weapon into orbit.

“They are thinking about placing in orbit a nuclear anti-satellite weapon that would hold at risk everyone’s satellites in low Earth orbit, and that would be an outcome that we just couldn’t tolerate,” Whiting said.

Watch the clip below:

Commander Gen. Whiting warns Russia may put a NUCLEAR weapon in low Earth orbit. Just one detonation in space could cripple 80% of the global satellite network and plunge the world in chaos.

The weapon could be used to destroy large numbers of satellites in low Earth orbit, potentially taking out communications systems, GPS networks and parts of the global internet.

A detonation in orbit could damage or destroy up to 10,000 satellites, roughly 80 percent of those currently in space.

Officials have described the potential attack as a “space Pearl Harbor.”

Whiting said the threat forms part of a broader pattern of Russian activity in space, including widespread GPS and satellite communication jamming.

“The problem with GPS jamming is it’s being done in a way that’s affecting civil aviation in eastern Europe and across southern Europe,” he said.

“When we put at risk civilian airliners full of citizens just trying to go on business or holiday, that’s incredibly problematic.”

The general said Russia is seeking ways to counter what it sees as Western military advantages by targeting space-based systems.

“They look at the United States, they look at NATO and they see an overmatch there of conventional arms,” Whiting said.

“And they believe that novel ways of trying to undermine the United States and Nato, such as by neutralising our space capabilities, helps them to level the battlefield.”

The proposed weapon would violate the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits placing nuclear weapons in orbit.

U.S. officials have been aware of the threat for at least two years, with intelligence first briefed to Congress in 2024.

Whiting warned that space is increasingly becoming a central domain for future conflict.

“The next big war will likely be a war that starts in space,” he said.

He also urged allies to increase defence spending in the sector, noting that Britain currently spends less than one percent of its defence budget on space capabilities.