Trump deploys 10,000 troops, over 12 warships & more for Hormuz blockade; no ships cross in first 24 hours, says US Central Command

The United States' naval blockade around Iranian ports, which began on Monday, now has more than 10,000 American personnel and multiple warships and aircraft deployed for the operation, according to a statement by US Central Command.

"During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman," CENTCOM said.

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In a post on X on Tuesday, the command said the mission involves US sailors, marines and airmen, along with over a dozen naval vessels and several aircraft, aimed at restricting maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz.

"More than 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen along with over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports," the statement further read.

CENTCOM also informed that in the first 24 hours of the operation, no ships were able to pass through the blockade. It added that six merchant vessels complied with directions from US forces and turned back toward Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.

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The blockade, according to the statement, is being enforced “impartially” on vessels of all nationalities attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

"The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. U.S. forces are supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," it added.

Blockade scope

The US military has said the blockade zone stretches beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and parts of the Arabian Sea, marking a significant expansion in its operational footprint.

In an earlier notice to mariners, CENTCOM had warned that any vessel entering or leaving the designated area without authorisation could face interception, diversion or even capture.

However, it clarified that neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations would still be allowed.

Ship-tracking data accessed by Reuters indicated early disruptions.

At least two vessels, including a tanker headed towards China, turned back shortly after approaching the strait as the blockade came into force yesterday.

Several other ships had already crossed the passage before the deadline, noted a Reuters report.

The move follows the collapse of recent talks between Washington and Tehran, escalating tensions in a region that handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows.

Around 20,000 seafarers and nearly 1,600 vessels are currently stuck in the Gulf region amid heightened uncertainty over transit routes.

While humanitarian cargo such as food and medical supplies will be allowed subject to checks, the blockade is expected to continue disrupting commercial shipping and adding volatility to global energy markets.