The United States is enforcing a comprehensive naval blockade of Iran with a force of more than 200 aircraft and warships, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The operation, launched on April 13 under a presidential directive, targets all commercial shipping entering and leaving Iranian ports on both the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman coasts.
CENTCOM says the deployment includes two full carrier strike groups, centered on the USS Abraham Lincoln, positioned in the Arabian Sea at what the military describes as maximum readiness, and the USS George H.W. Bush, also operating in the region. Amphibious assault groups and multiple guided-missile destroyers are supporting the blockade and wider regional security operations.
US defense officials report that more than 100 commercial vessels have been intercepted and redirected since the start of the mission, with commanders claiming that no trade is currently moving into or out of Iranian ports. The blockade is being enforced against ships of all nations attempting to access Iranian harbors, as air and naval assets maintain a continuous presence over and around key maritime routes.