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U.S. Expands Blockade, Turns Back 33 Vessels Amid Iranian Seizures

4/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports is ironclad and expanding.
Since April 13, U.S. forces have turned around more than 33 merchant vessels and boarded two Iran-linked tankers.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them random targets.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine warned U.S. troops are ready to use lethal force if Iran mines or disrupts shipping.

History

Historical Context

In April 1988, after the frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts struck an Iranian mine during Operation Earnest Will, U.S. launched Operation Praying Mantis, sinking or disabling eleven Iranian warships with 14 Harpoon missiles. The raid helped push Iran toward a cease-fire in Iran-Iraq War and set a precedent. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cites that precedent while a blockade has turned back over 33 merchant vessels.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports is ironclad and expanding.
Since April 13, U.S. forces have turned around more than 33 merchant vessels and boarded two Iran-linked tankers.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them random targets.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine warned U.S. troops are ready to use lethal force if Iran mines or disrupts shipping.

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