US Destroyer Halts Two Oil Tankers Attempting to Depart Iran Amid Trump’s Blockade

(SeaPRwire) –   A U.S. destroyer intercepted two oil tankers attempting to depart Iran on Tuesday, according to a U.S. official, as part of the Trump administration’s blockade of Iranian ports.

The official informed Reuters that the vessels departed Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman before being contacted by the U.S. warship via radio. The official further stated that these tankers were among six vessels that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Tuesday had complied with orders from American forces to turn back and return to an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman.

“Over 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen, along with more than a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft, are carrying out the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports,” CENTCOM stated. “During the initial 24 hours, no ships managed to pass the U.S. blockade, and six merchant vessels adhered to directions from U.S. forces to turn around and re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman.”

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

The Pentagon did not immediately provide a response on Wednesday to a request for comment from Digital regarding the reported interdiction of the oil tankers.

“U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the assets engaged in a blockade mission affecting Iranian ports. The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran,” CENTCOM stated on Tuesday. “A typical destroyer is crewed by over 300 Sailors who are highly trained in conducting offensive and defensive maritime operations.”

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated that “a blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as U.S. forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East.”

Cooper noted that approximately 90% of Iran’s economy relies on international maritime trade.

“In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade entering and exiting Iran by sea,” he also commented.