washington, April 17 -- Thirteen vessels have turned around rather than test a US naval blockade on Iranian-linked ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a top Pentagon official said, detailing a US effort meant to pressure Tehran into accepting a long-term ceasefire. The US will enforce the blockade "inside Iran's territorial seas and in international waters", General Dan Caine told reporters at a briefing. He said the US had so far not had to board any ships as part of the effort. President Donald Trump imposed the restrictions this week, and officials have said 10,000 service members are involved. Caine offered new details about the move, saying US-led forces as far away as the Pacific Ocean will also "actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran". The comments came in a briefing where defence secretary Pete Hegseth also warned Iran to "choose wisely" and accept the terms of a longer-term ceasefire with Iran. He said the US military is ready to resume combat whenever Trump gives the order. Hegseth suggested that the US had information that Iran was looking to rebuild its military capabilities after the strikes launched by the US and Israel dating back to late February. "Remember, this is not a fair fight, and we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to while you are digging out, which is exactly what you're doing, digging out of bombed-out and devastated facilities." Caine also said that the US would pursue any vessel attempting to provide support to Iran....