US forces have turned back 21 vessels since Iran naval blockade began, CENTCOM says

US forces have turned back 21 vessels since the start of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday. "Guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) patrols the Arabian Sea, April 17, as U.S. forces enforce the naval blockade on ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports," CENTCOM said in a post on X. It added that "since commencement of the blockade, 21 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran."

Hormuz disruption

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted since the US-Israeli war against Iran began Feb. 28, and a US naval blockade announced on April 13. About 20% of global oil supply passes through the strait daily, and heightened insecurity has driven up oil prices as well as shipping and insurance costs.

Iran's position

Iran on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels, in line with the 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon that took effect Thursday midnight, but along a determined route. The claim contradicts US reports that the blockade remains effective.

Trump's stance

US President Donald Trump said the naval blockade would "remain in full force" until "our transaction with Iran is 100% complete," meaning when a peace deal is signed. Trump also warned that the US will retrieve Iran's nuclear dust by force if no deal is reached, ruling out any tolls on the strait.

Ceasefire context

The two-week US-Iran ceasefire mediated by Pakistan is set to expire on April 22. Trump left the door open to renewed strikes if no deal is reached, saying "unfortunately, we have to start dropping bombs again."