15 U.S Warships Deployed In Middle East As U.S Plans A Naval Blockade Of Iranian Ports After Diplomatic Talks Fail

The U.S. has deployed over 15 warships in the Strait of Hormuz to block Iranian ports, after U.S-Iran peace negotiations in Pakistan failed, after Tehran refused to give up its nuclear ambitions, according to reports.

Through this move, Washington aims to prevent Iran from exporting oil and controlling maritime trade through the strategic waterway.

The United States Central Command confirmed that the naval blockade came into effect at 14:00 GMT on Monday.

Per the announcement, any ship entering or leaving the blocked area without permission can be intercepted or even seized.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations issued an advisory stating that restrictions also apply to Iranian ports and coastal regions in the Gulf, including the Gulf of Oman and some parts of the Arabian Sea.

The U.S Naval Fleet currently deployed in the region includes aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers and amphibious assault ships that can deploy helicopters and Marines and support vessels that are coordinating operations.

Though Washington has not released a full list of the vessels, several media reports suggest that destroyers like the USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. are a part of the deployment since they recently operated around the Strait of Hormuz.

In a war-like situation, these vessels play a pivotal role in escorting commercial ships, patrolling high-risk areas and intercepting suspected traffic. They also provide air and missile defence for the wider fleet.

Analysts say that Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, carrier strike group elements and amphibious ships are also part of the naval group, though the exact composition of the fleet remains undisclosed.

The blockade is already affecting shipping patterns in the critical maritime chokepoint, through which 20% of global oil supply passes.

The U.S. is focusing on preventing Iran from exporting its oil while maintaining partial control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Around 135 vessels transited the Hormuz daily, but that has now dropped to just a handful since the U.S-Iran war began.