U.S. Military Continues Blockade of Iranian Ports Amid Rising Tensions

The U.S. military has announced its ongoing blockade of vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports, following the redirection of 37 ships since the blockade's initiation. According to NS3.AI, U.S. Central Command reported that the USS Pinkney deployed an armed helicopter in the Arabian Sea to intercept a merchant vessel, which subsequently returned to Iran under the escort of a U.S. warship. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on April 13 that the blockade commenced at 10:00 AM Eastern Time on that day. In response, Iran has condemned the action as an act of war, asserting that it breaches the existing ceasefire agreement.