Washington, DC – US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) successfully intercepted and prevented an Iranian-flagged vessel from entering an Iranian port on Friday, April 24, 2026. CENTCOM added that this action was part of the ongoing US maritime blockade of Iranian ports. Reports indicated that the Iranian vessel attempted to sail toward the port despite repeated warnings. Therefore, the Peralta intervened and stopped the vessel for inspection and investigation by its US crew.
For his part, General Dan Keane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that US forces continue to closely monitor and track all suspicious vessels traveling to and from Iran.
He added that the embargo is being applied “impartially” to all vessels, regardless of nationality, if they violate the restricted zone. He affirmed that the US military is prepared to conduct additional interdiction operations to ensure full compliance. This maritime escalation is part of a broader US strategy to restrict Iranian shipping. CENTCOM has also reported the seizure of several ships and oil tankers in recent weeks, raising concerns about a wider military confrontation in the vital waterways of global trade.
