The U.S. intercepted six vessels attempting to break through the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that during the first 24 hours of the blockade of Iranian ports, no vessel was able to break through it, and six merchant ships complied with orders to turn back. 

This was reported by Reuters. 

The restrictions, which began on Monday, apply to all vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports in the Persian and Oman Gulfs. More than 10,000 military personnel, over a dozen ships, and dozens of aircraft are involved in the operation, with the blockade applied impartially to vessels from all countries.

The escalation in the region occurred after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that negotiations with Tehran regarding its nuclear ambitions had been fruitless. Washington announced its intention to intercept all vessels that had “paid Iran’s toll,” and Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed the failure of diplomatic efforts during a press conference in Pakistan on April 12. Despite military claims of total control, Bloomberg reported the departure of a sanctioned tanker linked to China from the Strait of Hormuz, although its cargo and previous route remain unknown.

The situation in the Middle East is escalating against the backdrop of global economic instability and Russia’s official entry into a systemic recession in April 2026. The blockade of the strategic strait is putting additional pressure on global energy markets, as Washington has threatened to destroy Iranian ships if they approach the blocked areas. At the same time, the U.S. Coast Guard is not currently involved in the operation, as its forces in the region were redeployed to Asia at the start of hostilities. The international community is closely monitoring the observance of freedom of navigation amid the intense standoff between the U.S. and Iran.

Earlier reports indicated that three vessels attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, despite U.S. warnings regarding the blockade of Iranian ports. Among them were a container ship and two cargo vessels flying different flags and under different management. 

China has criticized the U.S. for the naval blockade of Iranian ports. Beijing believes that such actions only exacerbate the situation and could derail the ceasefire. The statement came after the collapse of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.