Pentagon widens efforts beyond blockade of Iranian ports

The U.S. military has widened its efforts beyond the blockade of Iran’s ports. The Pentagon says it’s allowing its forces around the world to stop any ship tied to Iran or those suspected of carrying supplies that could help its government. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine says the U.S. would be targeting vessels in other areas, like the Pacific, that had left before the blockade began earlier this week. The military also detailed a long list of goods it considers contraband, declaring that it will board, search and seize them from merchant vessels “regardless of location.”