0
US says over 12 warships enforcing blockade of Iranian ports
April 19, 2026
Posted 3 hours ago by
US says over 12 warships enforcing blockade of Iranian ports The US Central Command said more than 12 warships, backed by over 10,000 personnel and aircraft, are enforcing a blockade of Iran’s ports. The command said 23 ships linked to Iran have been turned back and sent through the Strait of Hormuz, as part of the maritime cordon. “We are also conducting similar maritime interdiction actions and activities,” officials said, describing operations that include stopping and redirecting vessels.
Reports say the blockade could expand beyond the Middle East to target Iran-linked ships elsewhere, similar to past US actions against vessels tied to Venezuela, including interdictions in international waters involving boarding teams and naval units.
Middle East Eye
Coverage and analysis from Qatar. All insights are generated by our AI narrative analysis engine.