US forces direct 31 vessels to turn back under Iran port blockade
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US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of what it described as an ongoing US blockade against Iran.
In a statement shared on social media, CENTCOM said the majority of the affected ships were oil tankers and that most complied with US instructions during the operation.
U.S. forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the U.S. blockade against Iran.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 23, 2026
“The majority of vessels have complied with US directions,” the military said in its update.
CENTCOM added that the maritime enforcement effort involves a significant military presence, including more than 10,000 US troops, 17 warships, and over 100 aircraft deployed to support operations aimed at restricting Iranian maritime activity.
