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US Navy Turns Back 21 Iranian Ships as Blockade Tensions Escalate

The United States Central Command reports that 21 vessels have been forced to turn back toward Iran since the initiation of a US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. The guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy is actively patrolling the Arabian Sea to enforce the operation. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has slammed US President Donald Trump and asserted Tehran will strictly control maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump declared the blockade will persist until a comprehensive agreement with Iran is finalized, despite a regional ceasefire.

Key Points: US Blockade Turns 21 Ships Back to Iran, CENTCOM Says

  • 21 ships turned back to Iran
  • USS Michael Murphy enforces blockade
  • Iran vows control of Strait of Hormuz
  • Trump links blockade to final deal
  • Tensions high amid regional ceasefire
2 min read

21 ships turned back to Iran since US blockade began, says CENTCOM

CENTCOM reports 21 vessels forced back to Iran under US naval blockade. Iranian Speaker Ghalibaf vows control of Strait of Hormuz as Trump insists on continued pressure.

"The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect... until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. - Donald Trump"

Washington DC, April 18

The United States Central Command on Saturday said that 21 vessels have been compelled to turn back toward Iran since the United States initiated a naval blockade targeting access to Iranian ports amid diplomatic engagements in order to achieve a complete solution to the hostilities in the region.

In a post on X, CENTCOM stated that the US guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) is actively patrolling the Arabian Sea as part of the enforcement operation.

"Guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) patrols the Arabian Sea, April 17, as U.S. forces enforce the naval blockade on ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. Since commencement of the blockade, 21 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran," CENTCOM stated in its post.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with the United States increasing its maritime presence to monitor and restrict shipping movements linked to Iran.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Iran's Parliament MB Ghalibaf, slammed US President Donald Trump on X after Trump said that the US blockade on the ports of the Islamic Republic will continue until a full agreement with Iran is completely finalised.

In his post, Ghalibaf asserted that maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz will be strictly controlled by Tehran, stating that passage will be allowed only through designated routes and under Iranian approval.

His remarks come after the US President, in a post on Truth Social, declared that the American naval blockade of Iranian ports will persist until a comprehensive peace agreement is finalised with Tehran, despite Iran's move to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz.

"The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete." He further noted that "this process should go very quickly," the post read.

These remarks follow Tehran's announcement of a reopening of the strategic waterway, a move linked to the 10-day ceasefire currently in effect between Israel and Lebanon. While commercial shipping is now permitted to transit the route, Washington has maintained that economic and military pressure on Iran will not subside prematurely.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While I understand the need for pressure, a naval blockade feels like an extreme measure. It hurts ordinary people and businesses the most. India has significant trade interests and a large diaspora in the region. Our government must advocate strongly for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue. 🙏
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Arjun K
The US says it's for a "complete solution," but this looks more like coercion. Iran controlling the Strait in response is a predictable tit-for-tat. The whole region is on a knife's edge. As an Indian, my main concern is the safety of our sailors and the security of our energy imports.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I have to disagree with the approach. A blockade during diplomatic talks seems counterproductive. It builds resentment, not resolution. The international community, including powers like India, should push for the blockade to be lifted as a goodwill gesture to actually foster the "comprehensive peace" they claim to want.
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Vikram M
Geopolitics aside, 21 ships turned back is no small thing. That's livelihoods and cargo stuck. Hope our External Affairs Ministry is in touch with all sides to ensure Indian vessels and interests are protected. Jai Hind.
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Kavya N
The timing with the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is interesting. Feels like pressure is being maximized. India has traditionally had good relations with Iran and the Gulf nations. This is a moment where our diplomatic balancing act is crucial. We can be a voice for stability.

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