US military says 21 ships complied with blockade of Iranian ports

The US Central Command (Centcom) said 21 ships attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports have complied with directions from US forces to turn around and return to Iran.

Posting on X, Centcom said the vessels changed course under a blockade that began on 13 April and targets ships of any nationality near Iranian ports and coastal areas, adding that no ships have breached the maritime cordon in the four days since it was imposed.

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.… pic.twitter.com/v4dhGw8wUH

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 17, 2026