A follow up interdiction and any sequential interdiction can be made of course. Maybe a cool down timer with fog of war can be put in place, kind of simulating the "we lost sight of them" situation.
Without a "cause" to engage you will be listed as "kill on sight" if you attack a ship IIRC from some of the posts.
It is a choice, a way to play through.
Obviously if you playing a Captain under a navy flag and intercepting enemy trade it is another matter entirely...
So there is nothing, and there shouldn't be, that stops a ship attacking and harassing traffic in well known trade lanes. Sandbox, freedom of path, consequences from actions. Sums it up.