US Forces Turn Back 13 Ships in Iran Blockade Enforcement

16/04/2026

WASHINGTON, Apr 16: US forces have turned back 13 vessels since the start of a maritime blockade targeting Iran, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine said Thursday.

Caine said US naval and air assets moved swiftly to intercept ships approaching Iranian waters, issuing warnings that vessels attempting to proceed would face boarding, seizure, or forceful interdiction. “Do not attempt to breach the blockade,” he said, adding that ships were instructed to turn back or “prepare to be boarded.”

According to Caine, 13 vessels have so far complied with US warnings, with most reversing course inside the blockade zone and one turning away before reaching it. He added that no boardings have been carried out to date.

He further warned that any vessel attempting to cross the blockade could face escalated measures, including warning shots, and said similar maritime interdiction operations are also being conducted in other regions, including the Pacific.