U.S. Central Command

Day and night flight operations continue aboard the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). The Ford Carrier Strike Group continues to operate in the Red Sea, supporting maritime security in U.S. 5th Fleet. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the U.S. blockade against Iran. 🇺🇸 @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are deployed across the Middle East as part of the strongest and most lethal military the world has ever known. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. forces have directed 29 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the U.S. blockade against Iran. Over past 24 hours, media reports have alleged that several commercial ships evaded the blockade, citing M/V Hero II, M/V Hedy, and M/V Dorena as examples. These reports are inaccurate. Hero II and Hedy did not sail past the blockade as part of a flotilla that “ferried” millions of barrels of oil to the market. In fact, the Iranian-flagged tankers are anchored in Chah Bahar, Iran, after being intercepted by U.S. forces earlier this week. Dorena has been under the escort of a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after previously attempting to violate the blockade. The U.S. military has global reach. American forces are operating and enforcing the blockade across the Middle East and beyond. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Army Soldiers provide logistics support in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. 🇺🇸 @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Central Command forces remain ready... @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon during the U.S. blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports. The P-8 can provide surveillance for extended periods, scanning vast waterways from high altitude. @U_S_CENTCOM

Since the start of the U.S. blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, U.S. forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port. @U_S_CENTCOM

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) receives supplies during a vertical replenishment in the Arabian Sea with supply ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), April 18. Abraham Lincoln is currently operating in the Middle East enforcing the U.S. naval blockade on vessels attempting to enter and depart Iranian ports. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska, April 20, as the Iranian-flagged vessel's container cargo is searched after U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship when it attempted to violate the U.S. naval blockade. @U_S_CENTCOM

Sailors conduct flight operations aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in the Red Sea, April 19. The Ford Carrier Strike Group is sailing in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. @U_S_CENTCOM

Since the commencement of the blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, U.S. forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port. @U_S_CENTCOM