By Gateway News Desk
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported Tuesday that no Iran-linked shipping traffic successfully bypassed its newly implemented naval blockade during the first 24 hours of operation.
Despite apparent attempts to challenge the blockade overnight on Monday, at least three Iran-linked tankers that transited the Strait of Hormuz failed to advance past the northern end of the Gulf of Oman. According to vessel tracking data, one of the ships—the China-linked Rich Starry—reversed course and anchored before reaching the active enforcement zone. The remaining two vessels reportedly dropped anchor due west of Jask, Iran.
CENTCOM further confirmed that six other Iran-linked vessels complied with U.S. directives, turning around to return to Iranian ports.
Compliance with the U.S. naval blockade could soon expand voluntarily. According to a Bloomberg report, Iranian leadership is currently considering a plan to temporarily pause its shipping operations. The move is reportedly intended to avoid derailing upcoming peace talks with Washington, which are expected to resume shortly.
Meanwhile, non-Iranian maritime traffic continued to transit the region in limited numbers overnight Monday. In a public statement, CENTCOM reiterated its mandate, noting that “U.S. forces are supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.” The blockade is strictly tailored to target all vessels—regardless of their flag—that are inbound to or outbound from ports in Iran.
To enforce the measure, the U.S. has mobilized a massive military presence, deploying more than a dozen warships, dozens of aircraft, and over 10,000 Marines and sailors. Notably, the primary enforcement zone has been established further southeast in the Gulf of Oman. This positioning deliberately keeps U.S. operations away from the narrow confines of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran holds a significant geographic and tactical advantage.