US Blockade Turns Away 13 Ships in Strait of Hormuz

Gen. Dan Caine says US forces have not had to board any vessels so far

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:01pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a U.S. Navy ship silhouetted against an orange sunset sky, its reflection rippling in the calm waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The scene conveys a sense of quiet power and strategic control over the vital global shipping chokepoint.The U.S. Navy's blockade operations in the Strait of Hormuz continue with a light touch, turning away vessels without direct confrontation.Arlington Today

The U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has turned around 13 ships so far, according to Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine stated during a Pentagon briefing that the U.S. Navy has not been required to board any specific ships as part of the blockade enforcement efforts.

Why it matters

The blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic global shipping chokepoint, is a key part of the U.S. military's efforts to exert pressure and influence in the region. The fact that the blockade has been effective in turning away ships without requiring direct confrontation suggests the measures are having the intended deterrent effect.

The details

Gen. Caine reported that as of the morning of the briefing, U.S. Central Command had not needed to board any ships as part of the blockade operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade is being enforced by the U.S. Navy to restrict the movement of vessels through the strategic waterway.

  • The briefing took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Gen. Dan Caine

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, providing an update on the U.S. blockade operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command

The U.S. military command responsible for operations in the Middle East region, including the enforcement of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Navy

The branch of the U.S. military enforcing the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“As of this morning, U.S. Central Command has not been required to board any particular ships,”

— Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

The takeaway

The U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz appears to be achieving its goals of deterring and restricting the movement of vessels through the strategic waterway without requiring direct confrontation or boarding of ships so far.