9 Ships turned back in 48 hours during US blockade of Iranian ports

15/04/2026

CENTCOM, Apr 15: No vessels have successfully passed through the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports during the first 48 hours of enforcement, according to operational updates. Authorities reported that U.S. naval forces instructed nine ships to turn around and return toward Iranian coastal waters or nearby ports.

Meanwhile, U.S. Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) conducted close-quarters tactical training in the Arabian Sea as part of ongoing maritime operations. The drills are designed to prepare forces for maritime interception missions and other boarding operations.

The USS Tripoli is currently deployed in support of blockade operations targeting maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, with enforcement described as being applied uniformly across vessels of all nationalities.

U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the key assets supporting the ongoing blockade operation targeting Iranian ports. The blockade is being enforced uniformly against all vessels of all nationalities entering or departing Iranian coastal waters and port facilities. Each destroyer is typically staffed by more than 300 highly trained sailors, equipped to conduct a full range of offensive and defensive maritime operations in complex operational environments.