CENTCOM: More than 10K troops, 12 warships shut down access to Iranian ports

April 14, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that American forces have initiated a large-scale maritime blockade targeting vessels entering and departing Iranian ports.

According to CENTCOM, more than 10,000 US personnel, including sailors, marines, and airmen, are participating in the operation, supported by over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft. The effort spans key waterways surrounding Iran, including the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

In its initial phase, the operation appears to have had an immediate impact. During the first 24 hours, CENTCOM reported that no vessels successfully passed through the blockade.

Six merchant ships were intercepted and directed to turn back, complying with US instructions to return to Iranian ports along the Gulf of Oman.

US officials emphasized that the blockade is being enforced “impartially,” applying to vessels of all nationalities attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports or coastal areas.

The service also revealed that the amphibious ship USS Tripoli and 3,500 sailors and embarked Marines are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports.

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The ship entered the theater on March 27 as the flagship of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), deployed alongside the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Together, the force brings approximately 3,500 sailors and Marines, supported by a mix of transport aircraft, strike fighters, and amphibious assault capabilities designed for rapid response operations.

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Operations

The development comes amid heightened geopolitical friction in the region, where maritime security and freedom of navigation have long been flashpoints. US President Donald Trump has earlier ordered the US Navy to block ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.