The US Navy has effectively implemented the naval blockade of Iran and turned away nine ships in just the first 48 hours of the blockade.
The blockade was announced by US President Donald Trump after Iran and US officials failed to reach an agreement during talks in Islamabad on Sunday in Pakistan.
In an update on Wednesday, April 15, 2025, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said that vessel changed course without firing shots, adding that at least five of those vessels were carrying oil.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said approximately 90% of the Iranian economy is fueled by seaborne trade, adding: “U.S. forces have completely stopped economic trade entering and leaving Iran by sea.”
Thousands of U.S. service members, including 5,000 sailors and Marines from the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, are conducting operations to enforce the blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports.
CENTCOM said: “US forces are present, vigilant and ready to ensure compliance.”
He warned that American forces were ready to act against any ship that attempted to violate the blockade.
Pakistan, acting as a mediator, is trying to achieve a cessation of hostilities between the two countries and has intensified its diplomatic efforts. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to organize a second round of talks.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also embarked on an official diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye in a bid to end the war with Iran.
