The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. While Tehran has closed the Strait, the US has continued enforcing a naval blockade around Iranian ports. Amid the unfolding situation, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has released a video showing US forces enforcing a naval blockade during rising tensions with Iran.

Video Shows US Warships Enforcing Blockade

The footage released on Monday by the CENTCOM highlights increased military activity in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. In the video, a US helicopter-borne gunner is seen targeting a cargo vessel with heavy-calibre machine gun while radio warnings are issued. The message states that the area is under a military blockade and that all vessels, regardless of flag, are being monitored.

“This is United States Warship 115. You are entering an area of a military blockade. This blockade of Iranian ports will be enforced and applies to all vessels regardless of flag…Any vessel with further intent to enter or exit an Iranian port will be subject to the right of visit and search in accordance with international law. If you attempt to run the blockade we will compel compliance with force. Over,” the radio message said.

ALSO READ: 'Winning By Lot': Trump Claims Big Lead In Iran War Ahead Of Ceasefire Deadline, Denies 'Pressure' For Deal

Us Blockade Forces 27 Vessels To Turn Back In Hormuz

The video also shows US forces directing ships to turn back. According to CENTCOM, since the start of the blockade, 27 vessels have been forced to turn around or return to Iranian ports. It said these actions are part of ongoing efforts to control maritime movement in the region.

Sharing the footage, CENTCOM wrote on X, “Since the commencement of the blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, U.S. forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port.”

Meanwhile, as the ceasefire deadline nears, Iranian officials have suggested that control over the waterway remains a key bargaining point in any future negotiations. Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasised that "the strait is under the control of the Islamic republic."

You May Also Like To Watch: