The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday shared footage of the US Navy carrying out a blockade of Iranian ports by rerouting a merchant vessel.
The first post, published on April 16, carried audio of a sailor aboard a guided-missile destroyer, alongside aerial footage captured by the ship's embarked helicopter flying over the Gulf of Oman as the Navy diverted a merchant vessel.
ALSO READ: Trump Says He 'Had Very Good Talk' With PM Modi, Calls Him 'Friend From India'
The post read: "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."
The footage offered a rare real-time look at an interception in action, with sailors heard communicating with the vessel in what reporting described as a courteous but firm exchange, including the phrase "thank you for your cooperation."
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.… pic.twitter.com/10QxlEoGkk
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 16, 2026
The second post, published on April 17, showed imagery of sailors aboard another guided-missile destroyer, standing watch.
CENTCOM wrote: "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."
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. pic.twitter.com/oHSq4RhiVd
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 17, 2026
The posts came as the naval blockade, which took effect on April 13 entered its fourth day, after President Donald Trump said that the US will start blocking the Strait of Hormuz, as talks with Iran failed in Pakistan last weekend.
According to CENTCOM, the blockade encompasses the entirety of the Iranian coastline and warns that any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorisation is subject to interception, diversion, and capture.
ALSO READ: US House Rejects Bid To Rein In Trump's Iran War Powers, Democrats Warn Of 'Cliff Edge'
By April 15, CENTCOM stated that ten vessels had been turned around and no ships had broken through since the start of the blockade. Meanwhile, CENTCOM has repeatedly stressed that U.S. forces are not blockading the Strait of Hormuz itself, and that commercial vessels not bound for Iranian ports remain free to transit.
The blockade is estimated to be costing Iran $400 million a day in lost revenue, even as a fragile ceasefire from the broader Iran war technically remains in place and diplomatic channels stay open.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
