Amid the escalating tensions in the West Asia, the United States has deployed more than 15 warships along with other powerful weapons around Iranian ports as part of US President Donald Trump’s “Hormuz Blockade”.
The operation includes the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, which is equipped with F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets and MV-22 Osprey aircraft. The deployment is part of a broader US military push in the Arabian Sea targeting Iranian coastal areas.
USS Tripoli (LHA 7) conducts night flight operations while sailing in the Arabian Sea. Tripoli is designed without a traditional well deck, which allows for more F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, MV-22 Ospreys, helicopters, and extra maintenance space. During peak operations,…
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— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 13, 2026
In a post on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed today that the blockade began at 1400 GMT and would be enforced impartially against all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
“USS Tripoli (LHA 7) conducts night flight operations while sailing in the Arabian Sea. Tripoli is designed without a traditional well deck, which allows for more F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, MV-22 Ospreys, helicopters, and extra maintenance space. During peak operations, the ship can surge to support up to 20+ F-35Bs,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
The blockade comes after a US delegation, led by JD Vance and comprising Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, returned from talks in Pakistan without securing a deal to end the war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Tehran.
Trump announced the blockade on Sunday.
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