US Military Says 34 Ships Turned Away Under Iran Blockade, One Vessel Seized

24/04/2026

WASHINGTON, Apr 24: The blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports continues, with U.S. forces redirecting 34 vessels to date, according to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Caine.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Caine confirmed that U.S. forces are enforcing a global maritime blockade on Iran. "As of this morning, 34 ships have met the U.S. blockade and made the wise choice to turn around," he said.

Caine stated that U.S. Central Command is conducting interdiction operations worldwide against sanctioned and "dark fleet" vessels, targeting any ship "of any nationality" transiting to or from Iranian ports.

Interception of MV Touska

In a notable incident, the container ship MV Touska failed to comply with the blockade. Caine reported that the vessel was intercepted after "several clear and unambiguous warnings" and that its crew attempted to breach the blockade before U.S. forces moved to stop it.

"The vessel and her crew repeatedly ignored U.S. warnings over six hours," Caine said. U.S. forces fired warning shots before using "disabling fire" to immobilize the ship. U.S. Marines later boarded the vessel by helicopter and took custody of the crew.

Indo-Pacific Operation

Caine also confirmed that U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific intercepted a tanker carrying sanctioned Iranian oil. He described the operation as part of a broader interagency effort to enforce sanctions and the global blockade.

"U.S. personnel boarded and secured the tanker," Caine said, adding that the final disposition of the vessel is still pending.

The Pentagon has not yet released detailed information on the crew or cargo of the seized vessels, but officials emphasize that enforcement operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Iranian maritime trade.