United States forces have announced large-scale maritime operations involving the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.

Axar.az reports, citing CENTCOM, more than 10,000 U.S. sailors, marines, and airmen, alongside over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft, are taking part in an operation described as a blockade of ships entering and departing Iranian ports.

The statement said that during the first 24 hours of the operation, no vessels succeeded in passing through the blockade, while six merchant vessels were directed by U.S. forces to turn back toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM further stated that the blockade is being enforced “impartially against vessels of all nations” connected to Iranian ports, while emphasizing that freedom of navigation remains for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian destinations.