The United States said its navy has turned back 10 ships attempting to move out of Iranian ports in the first 48 hours of a naval blockade against the Islamic Republic, calling the exercise a key tool to intensify economic pressure on Tehran.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that all vessels trying to leave Iranian ports during this period were “turned around,” adding that “ZERO ships have broken through since the start of the US blockade on Monday.” Initially citing nine ships, CENTCOM later said a 10th vessel was “redirected” back to Iran by a guided missile destroyer, underscoring Washington’s intent to cut off Iranian exports through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
Iran’s joint military command has warned it could disrupt trade across the Gulf region if the US does not lift the blockade, raising fears of fresh disruptions in one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors. At the same time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signalled a broader financial squeeze, promising secondary sanctions on foreign banks and institutions that continue to deal with Iran, calling this a “financial equivalent” of the ongoing military campaign.
US President Donald Trump claimed the war with Iran was “very close to over” and announced he would be “permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz,” asserting that China was “very happy” with the move. In a Truth Social post, Trump said Beijing had agreed to stop supplying weapons to Iran and suggested closer cooperation between the two countries, framing the blockade led reopening of the Strait as a way to stabilise global energy flows and avoid prolonged conflict.