US Central Command says 45 ships turned back by Iran blockade
Fast facts
- Category: Middle East
- Language: EN
- Published: 2026-05-01 21:43 UTC
- Sources: Middle East Eye
U.S. Central Command reported that 45 merchant vessels were forced to reverse course after encountering Iran’s naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The command said the ships were denied entry to Iranian waters and instructed to return to their ports of origin. No casualties were reported, but the incident underscores growing shipping risks in the region.