Trump says US Navy attacked and seized Iranian-flagged cargo ship

In a major expansion targeting Iran’s shipping network beyond the ongoing blockade, the U.S. Navy will now intercept any Iranian ships anywhere in the world, according to a CENTCOM advisory shared with the United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Organization and comments made by Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at Thursday's Pentagon briefing.

Caine’s comments indicate that the focus will be on potentially targeting ships linked to Iran’s “dark fleet” of illicit oil transported to China setting up the potential for high seas activity involving the U.S. and ships going to or having left China.

"In addition to enforcing the blockade, all Iranian vessels, vessels with active OFAC sanctions, and vessels suspected of carrying contraband, are subject to belligerent right to visit and search. These vessels, regardless of location, are subject to visit, board, search, and seizure," according to a Joint Maritime Information Center update on the blockade.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

The House of Representatives is set to vote on an Iran war powers resolution at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.

The resolution would call on President Donald Trump to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces in hostilities against Iran or any part of the Iranian military or government unless a declaration of war or authorization to use force is enacted.

Previously, this effort has narrowly failed in the House. However, as the war continues and lawmakers face mounting questions about Trump’s actions, additional Republicans could choose to support the effort.

Given the slim margins in the House, this vote could be close. On Wednesday, the Senate failed to advance a similar Iran war powers resolution.

-ABC News' Lauren Peller

As he warned the Iranian regime to reach a deal with the U.S., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized how degraded its capabilities are.

"While you are digging out, which is exactly what you're doing digging out of bombed out and devastated facilities. We are only getting stronger," Hegseth said.

"You are digging out your remaining launchers and missiles with no ability to replace them. You have no defense industry, no ability to replenish your offensive or defensive capabilities," Hegseth said.

Asked about reporting that there is U.S. intelligence indicating that China is preparing weapons shipments to Iran during the ceasefire, Defense Secretary said China has assured the U.S. this is not the case.

"President Trump has a very strong and direct relationship with President Xi, and they've communicated on that, and China has assured us that that indeed is not going to happen," Hegseth said.

Trump and Xi are expected to meet in China in May, a trip that was delayed after the start of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.