ARABIAN SEA April 28, 2026 — U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the M/V Blue Star III, a commercial container ship, in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.
The vessel was suspected of attempting to transit to an Iranian port in violation of the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. After a thorough search, U.S. forces confirmed the ship’s planned voyage would not include any Iranian port call and released the vessel without incident.
“Earlier today in the Arabian Sea, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/V Blue Star III, a commercial ship suspected of attempting to transit to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports,” CENTCOM stated. “U.S. forces released the vessel after conducting a search and confirming the ship’s voyage would not include an Iranian port call.”
The operation was captured in dramatic CENTCOM-released video showing helicopters hovering over the open sea at twilight, with Marines fast-roping onto the ship’s deck stacked with colorful shipping containers as the vessel cut through the waves.
The Blue Star III is an Oman-registered container ship that had departed from Pakistan’s Gwadar port prior to the interception, according to open-source reports circulating alongside the official announcement.
American forces continue to enforce the blockade across the Middle East. CENTCOM noted that 39 vessels have now been redirected to ensure compliance since the measure took effect.
The U.S. implemented the blockade of Iranian ports in mid-April 2026 following the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations in the region. The action aims to prevent Iran from exporting oil and receiving supplies by sea amid heightened tensions.
No injuries or damage were reported during the boarding, which CENTCOM described as routine enforcement of the maritime restrictions. The incident marks the latest in a series of U.S. interdictions to maintain pressure on Tehran.
This story is developing. Life News Agency will provide updates as more details emerge from CENTCOM and regional maritime authorities.
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