U.S. Forces Redirect 97 Vessels Enforcing Iran Port Blockade as Trump Weighs New Strikes
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · May 23
U.S. Forces Redirect 97 Vessels Enforcing Iran Port Blockade as Trump Weighs New Strikes
12 articles · Updated · CBS New York · May 23
CENTCOM said U.S. forces have redirected 97 commercial vessels and disabled four more since the Iran port blockade began in mid-April.
The interdictions underscore Washington's effort to enforce the blockade while talks continue; Marco Rubio said negotiations showed only "a little bit of movement" and warned allies need a Plan B if Iran keeps the Strait of Hormuz restricted.
Trump administration officials were preparing options for fresh strikes on Iran Friday, though no final decision had been made and some U.S. military and intelligence personnel canceled Memorial Day plans in anticipation.
Iran has called the blockade illegal and warned the U.N. about humanitarian fallout, while the EU moved toward new sanctions over Tehran's actions in the Strait and Pakistan's army chief traveled to Tehran to press mediation.
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May 2026 US-Iran Blockade: Oil Surges Past $120 Amid Military Escalation and Diplomatic Deadlock
Overview
Since early April 2026, the United States has intensified its naval blockade against Iran, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz to restrict Iranian maritime activity. US forces have declared their intent to intercept or turn back vessels traveling to or from Iran’s coast, resulting in four ships being disabled. These ongoing disruptions have heightened global concerns about oil, fuel, and gas supplies, especially as oil prices surged to their highest levels since 2022, with Brent crude topping $126 a barrel before a slight decline. The blockade’s immediate effects are fueling economic uncertainty and escalating tensions in the region.