U.S. Claims Enforcement of Strait of Hormuz Blockade, Reports 10 Ships Turned Back in Three Days
The United States military has announced the enforcement of a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian maritime ports, claiming that multiple vessels have been turned away since the operation began.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade—reportedly ordered by President Donald Trump—has been in effect since Monday, with no vessels successfully passing through restricted areas during the initial phase of enforcement.
CENTCOM stated that approximately 10 ships were redirected within three days, adding that vessels attempting to transit near Iranian waters were either intercepted or turned back. The command said that ships not connected to Iran would still be allowed passage, while those linked to Iranian maritime activity could be stopped or redirected.
The U.S. military described the operation as part of a broader effort to restrict revenue flows tied to Iranian shipping activity in the strategic waterway and to reduce Iran’s oil export capacity.
Iran has strongly condemned the move, calling it an act of “piracy,” and has warned of possible retaliatory measures targeting maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea.
CENTCOM also reported an incident involving an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel departing from Bandar Abbas, stating that a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, USS Spruance, successfully redirected the ship during an attempted transit.
The situation marks a sharp escalation in tensions around one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, raising concerns over global shipping security and oil supply stability.
