American forces stepped up enforcement of a sweeping maritime blockade on Friday, stopping multiple Iranian-flagged oil tankers from reaching port and intensifying pressure on Tehran’s oil network, according to United States Central Command.

Officials said two empty tankers—the M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda—were prevented from docking at an Iranian port along the Gulf of Oman after being struck and disabled by a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS George H.W. Bush.

Earlier in the week, on May 6, U.S. forces similarly halted the Iranian-flagged M/T Hasna as it attempted to reach port in the same region. That vessel’s rudder was rendered inoperable when an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Abraham Lincoln fired multiple rounds from a 20mm cannon, leaving it unable to proceed. All three ships are no longer en route to Iran.

“U.S. forces in the Middle East remain committed to full enforcement of the blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iran,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander said Friday.

“Our highly trained men and women in uniform are doing incredible work,” he added.

According to CENTCOM, the operation has already forced dozens of ships to change course, with more than 50 vessels redirected and several others disabled as part of the ongoing effort. U.S. forces are currently preventing more than 70 oil tankers from accessing Iranian ports.

In a Friday morning update on X, CENTCOM stated that the blocked vessels collectively could carry over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil, estimated to be worth more than $13 billion.

The large-scale mission is part of a broader effort to impose a full blockade on Iran’s oil exports, targeting a key source of revenue for the regime.

“Blockade remains fully in effect,” a CENTCOM graphic stated, adding that “no ships [are] allowed in or out of Iranian ports” as enforcement operations continue “across the Middle East and beyond.”

Military officials indicated that the campaign involves a substantial U.S. presence, including more than 15,000 service members, upwards of 200 aircraft, and at least 20 naval vessels.

CENTCOM reported that over 50 ships have already been diverted to ensure compliance with the restrictions, while 73 tankers remain unable to transport Iranian oil.

The operation draws on a wide range of military capabilities, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, guided-missile destroyers, combat aircraft, surveillance platforms, drones, and aerial refueling assets.

The intensified crackdown comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise, driven by disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, proxy activity throughout the Middle East, and threats directed at U.S. allies.

The Trump administration has repeatedly pledged to restore “maximum pressure” on Iran and choke off the regime’s primary source of revenue: oil exports.

Iran depends heavily on oil sales to sustain its government operations and fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which U.S. officials have tied to backing terrorist groups and regional proxy forces.

Historically, U.S. sanctions have focused on preventing Iranian crude from reaching international buyers, particularly in Asian markets.

The blockade also highlights the growing American military presence in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters, a region critical to global commerce.

About one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining stability in the area.

Critics caution that such aggressive tactics could heighten the risk of direct confrontation with Iran, while supporters argue the move signals renewed U.S. strength and deterrence after years of regional instability.

CENTCOM’s latest update makes clear that Washington intends to sustain economic pressure on Iran while reinforcing its military posture across the Middle East.

“$13+ billion not benefitting Iran’s leadership,” the CENTCOM graphic emphasized, highlighting the financial impact of the blockade on the Iranian regime.

{Matzav.com}