US Central Command (Centcom) says US forces “have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the US blockade against Iran”, most of which were oil tankers.

In an update shared on social media platform X, the military said that “the majority of vessels have complied with US directions”.

The operation to blockade Iranian ports involves more than 10,000 US troops, 17 warships and more than 100 aircraft, it said.