WASHINGTON D.C April 15, 2026 – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced today that the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted and redirected an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that attempted to evade the ongoing U.S. naval blockade in the region.
According to CENTCOM, the vessel departed from Bandar Abbas, exited the Strait of Hormuz, and proceeded along the Iranian coastline before being challenged by the USS Spruance. The ship was successfully turned around and is now heading back toward Iran.
This marks the 10th vessel redirected by U.S. forces since the blockade began on Monday, April 13, 2026. CENTCOM emphasized that zero ships have broken through the blockade to date.
“The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is heading back to Iran,” CENTCOM stated in an official post. “Ten vessels have now been turned around and ZERO ships have broken through since the start of the U.S. blockade on Monday.”
The image released by CENTCOM shows the USS Spruance patrolling the waters, underscoring the U.S. Navy’s continued enforcement of the maritime operation aimed at restricting Iranian maritime traffic.
The blockade, part of heightened U.S. military posture in the region, has drawn international attention amid ongoing tensions involving Iran. CENTCOM has not released additional details on the specific cargo or destination of the intercepted vessel.
This latest incident demonstrates the effectiveness of the U.S. naval presence in maintaining the integrity of the blockade, with American forces continuing to monitor and respond to attempts to circumvent the restrictions.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in the region and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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