US Enforces Blockade on Iranian Ports, No Breaches Reported in First 24 Hours

14/04/2026

CENTCOM, Apr 14: The United States Central Command has confirmed that a U.S.-led naval blockade on Iranian ports is fully operational, with no vessels breaching restrictions during the first 24 hours of enforcement.

In a statement, CENTCOM said more than 10,000 American military personnel, supported by over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft, are actively carrying out the mission to prevent ships from entering or leaving ports in Iran. During the initial phase, six merchant vessels complied with U.S. directives and turned back toward Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.

Officials stressed that the blockade is being applied impartially to vessels of all nationalities operating to and from Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, freedom of navigation remains in place for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, provided they are not entering or exiting Iranian ports.

The operation involves a wide range of military assets, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, guided-missile destroyers, fighter aircraft, and surveillance systems, underscoring the scale of the U.S. deployment in the region.