US Turns Back 23 Ships as Iran Blockade Tightens, CENTCOM Says

18/04/2026

CENTCOM, Apr 18L The United States Central Command said Saturday that 23 vessels have been turned back מאז the آغاز of a U.S.-led maritime blockade targeting ships entering or exiting Iranian ports. In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the USS Canberra is currently patrolling the Arabian Sea as part of the operation.

According to the U.S. military, all 23 ships complied with instructions from American forces to reverse course, as Washington continues to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iran. The blockade is part of escalating tensions in the region, with U.S. forces actively monitoring and controlling shipping routes around Iranian coastal areas.