The blockade implemented by U.S. military forces is already having a significant impact on maritime traffic, effectively blocking oil tankers from leaving Iranian ports.
According to U.S. Central Command, nine oil tankers were directed to return within the first 48 hours of the operation.
Officials stated that no vessels successfully passed U.S. forces during this time. Each tanker complied after communication from U.S. forces, showing the effectiveness of the blockade.
A high-ranking defense official reported to Fox News that there was no need for boarding ships, as they all adhered to the orders given by American forces.
On Tuesday, a U.S. Navy destroyer specifically intercepted two oil tankers that were trying to exit Iran. These vessels had left Chabahar port before being ordered to reverse course.
The swift enforcement of this blockade follows CENTCOM’s earlier announcements regarding the extensive scale of the operation.
“More than 10,000 U.S. personnel, along with numerous warships and aircraft, are currently executing this blockade,” said CENTCOM. “In the first day alone, no ships passed through, and six vessels turned back as directed.”
CENTCOM emphasized that this blockade is being applied to all vessels, regardless of their national origin.
“We are enforcing this blockade without bias against any vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports,” they stated. “U.S. forces are committed to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iranian ships.”
Questions regarding the specifics of the interdictions went unanswered by the command at this time.
Guided-missile destroyers of the U.S. Navy are central to this operation, equipped with crews trained for various maritime operations.
Admiral Brad Cooper from CENTCOM has indicated that the blockade is fully operational and already proving effective.
“The implementation of this blockade on Iranian ports demonstrates U.S. maritime superiority in the region,” he said.
Cooper highlighted the economic implications, stressing Iran’s dependence on maritime trade.
“In less than 36 hours, all sea-based economic trade into and out of Iran has effectively come to a halt due to our actions,” he noted.
