US says 31 vessels turned back under Iran naval blockade

US Central Command said it has ordered 31 vessels to turn back since enforcing a naval blockade on Iran, as tensions rise across key shipping lanes.

CENTCOM rejected earlier reports suggesting some ships had evaded the blockade, saying vessels carrying millions of barrels of oil were prevented from reaching global markets.

The command added that several Iran-flagged oil tankers intercepted earlier this week are now anchored at Chabahar Port after being stopped by US forces.

CENTCOM said US forces are conducting wide-ranging operations across the region, emphasizing their ability to enforce maritime restrictions beyond the Gulf.

The naval standoff comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, with diplomatic efforts underway to restart talks through regional mediation.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, and any disruption there can quickly impact international energy markets.

Iranian officials have not commented on the reported vessel turnbacks, but previously warned they would respond to any attempts to block their oil exports.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps released footage it said showed its forces seizing a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, in what appeared to be a retaliatory move.

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