This morning, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, addressed media at the Pentagon during a briefing on the blockade against ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. He highlighted his most recent trip to the Middle East where he visited with U.S. service members and engaged regional allies and partners.

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USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Arabian Sea as the United States blockades Iran's ports and coastline. U.S. forces are NOT blockading the Strait of Hormuz. More than 10,000 American service members, 12+ ships, and 100+ aircraft have enforced the blockade in regional waters, ensuring that no vessels violate the President's proclamation.

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Audio🔊of a Sailor aboard USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), with video from the guided-missile destroyer’s embarked helicopter flying over the Gulf of Oman, as the U.S. Navy diverts a merchant vessel while enforcing the blockade on ships entering or departing Iranian ports. U.S. forces are prepared to sustain the blockade as long as it takes.

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U.S. forces are forward and ready across the Middle East, including America's 🇺🇸Air Force.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conduct a readiness flight in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

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"Every success we have starts and ends with our people. CENTCOM forces are highly motivated, focused, and READY" - Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander

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Guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) directs a merchant vessel to return to an Iranian port as it enforces the U.S. blockade, April 17.

Since commencement of the blockade, 19 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran. ZERO vessels have evaded U.S. forces during the blockade.

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An F/A-18E Super Hornet taxis on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it sails alongside the USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), April 16.

Over 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen are enforcing the blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports and coastal areas.

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The U.S. naval blockade continues...

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Guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) patrols the Arabian Sea, April 17, as U.S. forces enforce the naval blockade on ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. Since commencement of the blockade, 21 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran.

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Littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) patrols the Arabian Sea during the U.S. blockade. Since commencement of the blockade, 23 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around. American forces are enforcing a maritime blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas.

@U_S_CENTCOM