Blockade of Iranian ports halts maritime trade — CENTCOM

15 April 2026 10:28

US Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the assets carrying out the mission to blockade Iranian ports, as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X, adding that the blockade has halted maritime trade.

“The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran,” the statement said. It added that a typical destroyer crew consists of more than 300 sailors trained for both offensive and defensive naval operations.

U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the assets executing a blockade mission impacting Iranian ports. The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran. A typical destroyer has a crew of more than… pic.twitter.com/tsu4i322r4
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 15, 2026

Later, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper stated that the blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as U.S. forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East.

“An estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fueled by international trade by sea. In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, US forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea,” Cooper said in an official statement.