Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 19: The United States Central Command has confirmed that the dock landing ship USS Rushmore is actively engaged in blockade operations in the Arabian Sea, signaling a continued escalation in maritime tensions with Iran.

Earlier, it was reported that the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney is patrolling regional waters in support of the blockade, while the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans is overseeing commercial shipping activity in the area.

The developments come after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since Saturday evening and will remain so until the United States lifts its naval blockade.

Just a day earlier, both Washington and Tehran had indicated that the strait was open to commercial vessels. However, Donald Trump stated that the US blockade would continue “in full force,” prompting Iran to warn of renewed restrictions on the critical shipping route.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council reiterated that it will maintain strict oversight of vessel movement through the strait until a definitive end to hostilities is achieved. This includes requiring ships to provide detailed information, obtain transit approvals, and comply with wartime navigation protocols.

The council also warned that any attempt to disrupt shipping—particularly through blockade tactics—would be viewed as a violation of the ongoing ceasefire, and could lead to further tightening of access to the strait.

The renewed tensions follow an earlier announcement by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which confirmed the resumption of strict Iranian control over the waterway in response to continued US naval actions.