US Says Iran Blockade Holds Firm as Reports Emerge of Ships Crossing Hormuz

The United States military said Tuesday that its naval blockade of Iran remained intact خلال its first 24 hours, despite separate reports indicating that commercial vessels had continued to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, US Central Command said no ships had breached the blockade, adding that six merchant vessels attempting to leave Iranian ports were intercepted and ordered to turn back.

“No ships made it past the U.S. blockade,” the command said, noting that the vessels complied with instructions and returned to ports along the Gulf of Oman.

The operation involves more than 10,000 U.S. personnel, including sailors, marines, and airmen, supported by over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft. CENTCOM said enforcement applies to vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

The blockade was ordered by President Donald Trump following stalled talks with Iran in Islamabad aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Trump said the move was intended to pressure Tehran back into negotiations.

The naval restrictions, which took effect Monday, target key shipping routes including the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz a major corridor for global oil shipments.

However, a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, said that about 20 commercial vessels including cargo ships, container vessels, and oil tankers  had transited the strait within the same 24-hour period.

The differing accounts highlight uncertainty over the effectiveness and enforcement of the blockade, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.