The US Navy has effectively implemented the naval blockade of Iran, turning back 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 the Islamabad Talks, on Sunday, in Pakistan.
In an update on Wednesday, April 15, 2025, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reversed course without the need to fire shots, adding that at least five of these ships were carrying oil.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said an estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is driven by seaborne trade, adding, “United States forces have completely halted economic trade entering and leaving Iran by sea.”
Thousands of US 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 departing Iranian ports.
CENTCOM said: “US forces are present, alert and ready to ensure compliance.”
It warned that US forces were ready to act against any vessel attempting to breach the blockade.
Pakistan, acting as a mediator, is trying to ensure a cessation of hostilities between both countries and has intensified its diplomatic efforts. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to arrange a second round of talks.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, also began an official diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye in an effort to end the Iran war.
