U.S. Navy Expands Blockade to Intercept Contraband Ships Near Iran
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command expanded its maritime blockade on April 16, 2026, authorizing the boarding of sanctioned vessels and ships suspected of carrying contraband in waters surrounding Iran. This escalation follows reports of Iranian-flagged tankers attempting to bypass the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the naval operation, part of Operation Epic Fury, will continue indefinitely to compel the Iranian regime to negotiate on nuclear and regional security terms.