US says 45 ships turned back under Iran blockade

<article data-history-node-id="439422" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-says-45-ships-turned-back-under-iran-blockade" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-says-45-ships-turned-back-under-iran-blockade" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">US says 45 ships turned back under Iran blockade</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>US Central Command (Centcom) said it has directed 45 commercial vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the United States blockade of Iran’s ports.</p> <p>In a statement on X, the command said US forces are continuing to patrol international waters to enforce compliance.</p> <p>The blockade, imposed on 13 April, is aimed at restricting shipping linked to Iran as tensions persist.</p> <p>Officials say the measures are part of broader efforts to limit maritime activity connected to Iranian trade routes.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">U.S. forces continue to patrol international waters and enforce the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. As of now, 45 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port to ensure compliance. <a href="https://t.co/K682VHSXAq">pic.twitter.com/K682VHSXAq</a></p> — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2050260946937860513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div> </article>