The U.S. Navy effectively implemented the naval blockade of Iran and turned back nine ships in just the first 48 hours of the blockade.
The blockade was announced by US President Donald Trump after Iran and US officials failed to reach an agreement during talks in Islamabad on Sunday in Pakistan.
In an update on Wednesday, April 15, 2025, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reversed course without the need to fire, adding that at least five of these ships were carrying oil.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said about 90 percent of Iran’s economy is powered by maritime trade, adding, “US forces have completely disrupted Iran’s economic trade in and out of Iran by sea.”
Thousands of American troops, including 5,000 sailors and Marines from the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, are carrying out operations to enforce the blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports.
CENTCOM said: “US forces are present, vigilant and ready to ensure compliance.”
He warned that American forces were ready to act against any ship attempting to violate the blockade.
Pakistan, acting as a mediator, is trying to bring about a cessation of hostilities between the two countries and has intensified its diplomatic efforts. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to hold a second round of talks.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also made an official diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey in a bid to end the war in Iran.
