US Central Command has reported that American forces have turned back 21 vessels since the enforcement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, marking a sharp escalation in maritime tensions in the region.
According to CENTCOM, the guided missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy has been actively patrolling the Arabian Sea, where it is monitoring ship movements linked to Iranian ports. The military stated that vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian waters have been ordered to change course, with 21 ships reportedly complying since the operation began.
The blockade has significantly disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor responsible for nearly one fifth of the world’s oil supply. The situation intensified following the US Israeli conflict involving Iran and the subsequent announcement of the blockade earlier this month.
Iran has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping under controlled navigation routes, following a recent ceasefire arrangement in the broader regional conflict. However, maritime insecurity has contributed to rising global oil prices as well as increased insurance and freight costs.
US President Donald Trump stated that the naval blockade will continue until a comprehensive agreement with Iran is fully achieved, signaling that restrictions will remain in place until diplomatic conditions are met.
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