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Republicans have officially blocked a fourth attempt by Senate Democrats to use the War Powers Act to compel Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to testify on Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
Democrats have vowed to force a vote on the issue every week that Operation Epic Fury continues.
This comes just hours after the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) released new audio from the U.S. Navy of sailors announcing the American blockade of Iranian ports.
The blockade is the result of a failed first round of negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan but may have already forced Iran back to the table.
In the audio, a sailor can be heard making an announcement over the radio, saying: “The U.S. has announced a formal blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas. This is a legal action.”
The sailor then advised all ships leaving Iran to return to port and those heading to Iran to turn back around. He warned all vessels: “If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force. The United States is prepared to enforce compliance.”