Iran blockade near Hormuz Strait deterred 13 ships
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- The U.S. Navy has turned back 13 ships since initiating a blockade of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman over 24 hours ago, according to the Pentagon.
- President Trump announced the blockade after Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a condition for a fragile two-week ceasefire currently in effect.
- The blockade targets all ships heading to or from Iranian ports, regardless of nationality, and is not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz itself, clarified Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine.
- U.S. forces are also pursuing Iranian-flagged vessels and ships providing material support to Iran, including "dark fleet" vessels involved in illicit activities.
- The Navy has issued warnings to approaching ships, stating they will be boarded for interdiction if they attempt to breach the blockade; so far, all 13 ships have complied by turning around without the need for boarding.
