41 Iran oil tankers laden with crude worth $6 billion redirected: Blockade 'highly effective' — US military

US Central Command enforces long blockade, halting Iran’s crude exports

Last updated: April 30, 2026 | 02:30

1 MIN READ

US troops enforcing a naval blockade on Iran, preventing maritime commerce from entering or exiting its ports. Trump officials have signaled that "leverage" — including the blockade and sustained military operations — will remain in place until a deal with Iran is arrived at, contingent on it acceding to Washington’s core demands, i.e. giving up its nuclear enrichment program.

X | @CentCom

At least 41 crude oil tankers laden with 69 million barrels of oil from Iran — with an estimated market value of $6 billion — had been "redirected" after the vessels attempted to breach the naval blockade on the Iranian regime, according to the US military.

Some 10,000 members under the US Central Command form part of the US presence in the area, preventing maritime commerce from entering or exiting Iranian ports.

Also In This Package

US blockade: 'Zero ships' have broken through

Iran dodges blockade, ships millions of barrels of oil

Red line: Blockade seals off Iranian ports — Centcom

Targeted blockade in Hormuz covers only Iran: US

"The blockade is highly effective and U.S. forces remain fully committed to total enforcement," Admiral Brad Cooper said in a statement posted on X.

"That's an estimated $6 billion-plus from which Iran's leadership cannot benefit financially benefit," he said.

US President Donald Trump has laid out plans for a "long blockade".

Iran has offered to end its chokehold on Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade and ends the war, while proposing to relegate talks on Iran's nuclear programme to the end.

Trump who rejected the offer said talks continue and the Iranian side has "come a long way".

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox