The United States military has successfully prevented any Iranian vessels from breaching a new blockade in the Strait of Hormuz during the first 24 hours of the operation, according to U.S. Central Command (Centcom).
Centcom announced via social media that six vessels complied with military instructions and turned back toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. military is currently enforcing the blockade at its discretion against ships of all flags entering or exiting Iranian ports.
While targeting vessels bound for Iranian territory, the U.S. maintains that it is supporting the "free navigation" of ships transiting the strait toward or from non-Iranian ports. This includes vessels moving through the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Massive military deployment
The operation involves a significant naval and aerial presence. Centcom reports the deployment of more than 10,000 personnel from the Navy and Air Force, supported by over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft.
President Donald Trump previously issued a direct threat regarding the use of force against Iranian naval assets. He warned that any Iranian fast boats attempting to bypass the blockade would face immediate destruction.
“If any of these boats approach our blockade, it will be eliminated immediately, using the same method of elimination that we employ against drug traffickers in their boats at sea. It is fast and brutal,” Trump stated in a social media message.
This military action follows a lack of progress in negotiations with Iran during the recent summit in Islamabad. The President noted that the U.S. military would utilize the same tactics previously used against drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific oceans.