Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, stated that American forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East
According to him, the operation stopped sea trade, which represents around 90% of the Iranian economy.
US Navy warships, including missile-guided destroyers, are operating in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman region under the command of the Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet.
According to reports, since the blockade began on Monday, American naval forces have intercepted several oil tankers attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports.
In all cases, the crews were warned by radio and instructed to return, without the need for physical approaches.
In addition to the blockade, the American military is clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for transporting oil and other goods.
Two destroyers, the USS Frank E.
Peterson and the USS Michael Murphy, already operate in the area.
A third strike group with aircraft carriers and more minesweeping ships are on the way to reinforce the operation.
In total, the US naval presence in the region must reach at least 27 ships, representing a significant part of the entire American fleet active in the world.
President Donald Trump has commented on the situation in recent interviews.
He told Fox News that the war with Iran is “very close to the end” and that if the United States stopped now, it would take Iran about 20 years to rebuild the country.
Trump also mentioned that the Iranians seem to really want to make a deal.
In another statement, he indicated that he is considering extending the two-week ceasefire announced on April 7, but believes it may not be necessary, foreseeing “two incredible days” ahead.
Joint military operations between the United States and Israel against the Iranian regime began in late February, with attacks on thousands of targets, including ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
A ceasefire was established thereafter.
Now, talks between the Americans and Iranians could resume in Islamabad this weekend, after a previous round collapsed in Pakistan.
The United States made clear its main demands in the talks: Iran must end all uranium enrichment, dismantle key facilities, return highly enriched material, completely open the Strait of Hormuz without charge and stop supporting terrorist groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced that nuclear enrichment is the central point for Americans – and also for Israel.
This measure aims to increase economic pressure on the Iranian government and seek a solution that will permanently limit the country´s nuclear program.
The situation continues to develop, with the next few days being decisive for the course of events.
Published in 04/15/2026 21h07
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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