US military intercepts Iranian-flagged ship in Strait of Hormuz; 10 ships turned back since start of naval block

After departing from Bandar Abbas and moving through the Strait of Hormuz along Iran’s coastline, the vessel tried to avoid the blockade.

Published on: Apr 16, 2026 11:58 AM IST

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Tensions in West Asia continue to play out on the Strait of Hormuz, where the United States has been enforcing a naval blockade since earlier this week. On Wednesday, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to navigate out of Hormuz was intercepted during its journey.

An Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to navigate out of Hormuz was intercepted during its journey. (AP)

"Yesterday, an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel tried to evade the U.S. blockade after leaving Bandar Abbas, exiting the Strait of Hormuz, and transiting along the Iranian coastline.The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is heading back to Iran, " CENTCOM said on X.

After departing from Bandar Abbas and moving through the Strait of Hormuz along Iran’s coastline, the vessel tried to avoid the blockade.

However, the US Navy intervened before it could proceed further. The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) redirected the ship, effectively forcing it to turn back toward Iran.

Also read | US, Iran prepare to exit war as fatigue and costs kick in; Pakistan will get peace bonus

Ten ships have been forced to turn back since the naval blockade began, with none managing to break through.

Iran warns of "dangerous consequences" against US blockade

Iran has issued a sharp warning to the United States amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, signalling that recent developments at sea could deepen instability in an already fragile region.

Also read | White House says ‘not true’ to ceasefire request, US-Iran talks ‘very likely’ in Pakistan

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi conveyed the country’s concerns during a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday.

According to Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Araghchi used the discussion to brief Beijing on the latest regional developments following the ceasefire, while also flagging concerns over recent US moves.

During the call, Araghchi pointed to US activity in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, cautioning that such steps risk worsening the situation on the ground.

"Our country's Foreign Minister, describing the latest developments in the region after the ceasefire, warned of the dangerous consequences of America's provocative positions and actions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, which will lead to a more complicated situation in the region," the statement read.

He also criticised Washington’s position at the United Nations Security Council, calling its proposed resolution on the Strait of Hormuz “irrational and unilateral.”

Araghchi also appreciated China and Russia for opposing the US-backed move, saying their stance helped check a further rise in tensions.

Responding to this, Wang Yi lauded Iran’s “resistance and self-confidence” during the recent conflict and reaffirmed Beijing’s willingness to support diplomatic efforts to bring hostilities to an end and restore stability in the region, according to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

(With inputs from ANI)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

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