U.S. Central Command

Guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) directs a merchant vessel to return to an Iranian port as it enforces the U.S. blockade, April 17. Since commencement of the blockade, 19 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran. ZERO vessels have evaded U.S. forces during the blockade. @U_S_CENTCOM

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fuel in flight from a KC-135 Stratotanker high above the U.S. Central Command operating area. @U_S_CENTCOM

"Every success we have starts and ends with our people. CENTCOM forces are highly motivated, focused, and READY" - Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander @U_S_CENTCOM

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea, April 16. The ship's embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control planes, MH-60 helicopters and CMV-22B Ospreys for logistics support. @U_S_CENTCOM

Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) stand watch as U.S. forces remain vigilant and enforce the blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports and coastal areas. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. forces are forward and ready across the Middle East, including America's 🇺🇸Air Force. U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conduct a readiness flight in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sailors assigned to amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) support blockade operations against Iran, April 16. U.S. forces are ready and postured to enforce the blockade. @U_S_CENTCOM

Audio🔊of a Sailor aboard USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), with video from the guided-missile destroyer’s embarked helicopter flying over the Gulf of Oman, as the U.S. Navy diverts a merchant vessel while enforcing the blockade on ships entering or departing Iranian ports. U.S. forces are prepared to sustain the blockade as long as it takes. @U_S_CENTCOM

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Arabian Sea as the United States blockades Iran's ports and coastline. U.S. forces are NOT blockading the Strait of Hormuz. More than 10,000 American service members, 12+ ships, and 100+ aircraft have enforced the blockade in regional waters, ensuring that no vessels violate the President's proclamation. @U_S_CENTCOM

This morning, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, addressed media at the Pentagon during a briefing on the blockade against ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. He highlighted his most recent trip to the Middle East where he visited with U.S. service members and engaged regional allies and partners. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. forces are focused, vigilant, and highly motivated as they execute a blockade on vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. After 72 hours of enforcement, 14 vessels have turned around to comply with the blockade at the direction of American forces. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Marines conduct live hoist training on the flight deck of America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli and its 3,500 Sailors and embarked Marines are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. @U_S_CENTCOM