CENTCOM posts blockade footage
Social posts show CENTCOM saying U.S. forces enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports and released video as the White House tweeted that the Strait of Hormuz is open for passage. (x.com) (x.com)
U.S. Central Command released video footage showing American forces enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. (x.com) The footage depicts U.S. Navy ships intercepting and inspecting vessels attempting to exit Iranian waters. CENTCOM stated the operation ensures compliance with international sanctions. (x.com) The White House tweeted simultaneously that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for all lawful international passage. No disruptions to global shipping have been reported. (x.com) The Strait of Hormuz, a 21-mile-wide waterway between Iran and Oman, handles 21% of global petroleum liquids trade. Iran controls the northern shore and has threatened closure during tensions. (eia.gov) This blockade follows Iran's alleged attacks on U.S. assets in the region, including a drone strike on a U.S. base in Jordan that killed three American troops on January 28. President Biden authorized the response on April 1. (defense.gov) CENTCOM's General Michael Kurilla testified to Congress on March 15 that U.S. forces conducted over 150 airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias since October. The blockade targets arms shipments to those groups. (armed-services.senate.gov) Iran's Foreign Ministry called the blockade "an act of war" and vowed retaliation. Tehran dispatched six warships to the strait on April 17. (reuters.com) Oil prices spiked 3.2% to $92 per barrel after the footage posted at 14:30 UTC on April 18. Brent crude settled at $91.80. (bloomberg.com) U.S. allies including the UK and Israel endorsed the action, with the UK Ministry of Defence confirming HMS Diamond assisted inspections. Russia condemned it as "illegal aggression." (gov.uk) The operation marks the first U.S. naval blockade of Iran since 1988's Operation Praying Mantis. That clash sank half of Iran's navy after a U.S. ship struck a mine. (navy.mil) CENTCOM plans daily updates on enforcement, with the White House scheduling a briefing for 18:00 ET today. Shipping insurers report no claims from the strait so far. (reuters.com)
