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US Redirects 48 Vessels in Gulf Amid Iran Maritime Blockade

The United States has redirected 48 vessels in the Persian Gulf over the past 20 days as part of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. US Central Command confirmed the USS New Orleans is operating in the Arabian Sea during the blockade. President Donald Trump has formally declared the hostilities with Iran terminated, following Operation Epic Fury and a subsequent ceasefire. Trump has also dismissed the 60-day limit under the War Powers Resolution as unconstitutional.

Key Points: US Redirects 48 Vessels in Gulf Amid Iran Blockade

  • US Navy redirects 48 vessels in Persian Gulf over 20 days
  • Blockade applies to Iranian ports, not Strait of Hormuz
  • Trump declares hostilities with Iran terminated after Operation Epic Fury
  • Trump calls War Powers Resolution 60-day limit unconstitutional
2 min read

48 vessels forced to redirect by US in Gulf amid blockade on Iranian maritime assets

US Navy redirects 48 vessels in Persian Gulf over 20 days as part of blockade on Iranian ports. Trump declares hostilities with Iran terminated.

"Over the past 20 days, 48 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance with the blockade - US Central Command (CENTCOM)"

Washington DC, May 2

The United States has redirected 48 vessels in the Persian Gulf, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, over the past 20 days amid ongoing enforcement actions related to restrictions on Iranian maritime assets by the US Navy.

The update was shared by US Central Command (CENTCOM) in a post on X on Saturday, which said that the USS New Orleans (LPD-18) was operating in the Arabian Sea as part of its deployment during what it described as a blockade of Iranian ports.

"USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sails in the Arabian Sea during the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, April 28. Over the past 20 days, 48 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance with the blockade," the post read.

Washington categorically said that its naval blockade in West Asia applies to Iranian ports and coastline and is not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The development is part of the US increasing its maritime presence to monitor and restrict shipping movements linked to Iran, despite US President Donald Trump stating that his administration has "terminated" the hostilities with the Islamic Republic in the region.

On Friday, the US President sent a formal letter to the US Congress in this regard, stating that the hostilities with Iran have been "terminated."

"On March 2, 2026, I reported to the Congress that on February 28, 2026, United States Forces had initiated Operation Epic Fury and begun conducting precision strikes against the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I ordered that operation consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests at home and abroad, and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests," the letter read.

"On April 7, 2026, I ordered a 2-week ceasefire. The ceasefire has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated," the letter added.

His statement came as US lawmakers and legal observers marked Friday (local time) as the 60-day deadline since the Trump administration formally notified Congress on March 2 about the start of hostilities involving Iran.

However, Trump dismissed the 60-day limit imposed under the War Powers Resolution as "totally unconstitutional", signalling that his administration would not seek congressional authorisation to continue military operations linked to the conflict with Iran.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
"Hostilities terminated" but still redirecting 48 vessels? Something doesn't add up here. Seems like the US wants to have it both ways. 😬 India should strengthen ties with both Iran and the US without getting dragged into their conflicts. Our foreign policy needs to be smarter than ever.
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Michael C
As an American, I'm tired of these endless Middle Eastern conflicts. Trump says he's ending hostilities, but the Navy is still enforcing a blockade. It's like we're perpetually at war without Congress ever voting. The War Powers Resolution exists for a reason, and dismissing it as "unconstitutional" is dangerous. 🇺🇸🇮🇳
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Raghav A
The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil chokepoint, and India depends heavily on it. If this blockade continues, our fuel prices will skyrocket. Already feeling the pinch at the pump in Delhi. The government needs to diversify energy sources and fast. And please, no more wars in this region 🙏
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Priya S
This is such a mess. I don't trust the US when they say it's not a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. They're clearly trying to isolate Iran economically. India should maintain its independent foreign policy and not be a pawn in anyone's game. We have good relations with both sides, let's use that wisely.
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Sarah B
From a Canadian perspective, this looks like another chapter in the never-ending US-Iran tension. What's concerning is that "terminated hostilities" still allows for aggressive maritime actions. It's a war by other

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