Washington DC: The US Central Command on Thursday said American forces are enforcing a large-scale maritime blockade targeting Iran’s ports and coastline, deploying more than 10,000 personnel, over a dozen naval vessels and more than 100 aircraft in the region.
In a statement on X, CENTCOM said the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was operating in the Arabian Sea as part of the mission, adding that US forces are not blockading the Strait of Hormuz.
“More than 10,000 American service members, 12+ ships, and 100+ aircraft have enforced the blockade in regional waters, ensuring that no vessels violate the president’s proclamation,” the command said.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Arabian Sea as the United States blockades Iran’s ports and coastline. U.S. forces are NOT blockading the Strait of Hormuz. More than 10,000 American service members, 12+ ships, and 100+ aircraft have enforced the blockade in regional… pic.twitter.com/yQP4J1uSha
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 16, 2026
It added that sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black remain on alert as US forces monitor ships attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports.
US President Donald Trump said the operation was progressing effectively, claiming the naval presence had deterred vessels from entering restricted areas. “The blockade is doing very well … No ship is even thinking about entering,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said the blockade applies to vessels of all nationalities heading to or from Iranian ports. He reiterated that it does not extend to the Strait of Hormuz but is being enforced within Iran’s territorial waters and adjacent international waters.
Caine added that US forces could also target vessels suspected of providing material support to Iran, including so-called “dark fleet” ships used to bypass sanctions.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with the US maintaining it remains prepared to escalate operations at short notice if required.
