US redirects 48 Iranian ships as Hormuz blockade enforced, Trump defends action
WASHINGTON, DC: The United States has intensified its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing dozens of Iranian vessels to change course.
According to US Central Command, a total of 48 Iranian ships have been turned around over the past 20 days.
The latest developments include three vessels redirected within the last 20 hours.
The blockade, which prevents ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports, has heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sails in the Arabian Sea during the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, April 28. Over the past 20 days, 48 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance with the blockade. pic.twitter.com/Zuj12vfFMw
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 2, 2026
US enforces blockade, Trump defends tactics
The blockade, initiated on April 13, is part of a broader US strategy to pressure Iran amid ongoing hostilities.
President Donald Trump has said the restrictions will remain in place until a deal is reached to end the conflict.
Iran has criticized the move, calling it a violation of an existing ceasefire agreement.
Speaking at an event in Florida, Trump characterized the US actions in stark terms.
"We're sort of like pirates," the president said, adding, "but we're not playing games because, you know, for 47 years, Iran has been pushing everybody around." He further stated, "They've used the Hormuz Strait as a weapon for many, many years… They said they'll close it. So, they closed it. Then I closed it on them."
"We're sort of like pirates—but we're not playing games." 🏴☠️ Trump describes the U.S. Navy's "profitable" operations and cargo seizures during his speech in Florida. #TrumpPedófilo #USNavy #IranBlockade #Politics pic.twitter.com/YkGSZUCuL6
— Flash Update (@flashupdatenews) May 2, 2026
The president also referenced a recent US Navy operation involving the interception of an Iranian-linked vessel.
"We took over the ship," Trump said. "We took over the cargo, took over the oil. It's a very profitable business… We're like pirates. We're sort of like pirates." He appeared to be referring to an incident involving the US Navy destroyer USS Spruance, which intercepted the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman.
Describing the operation, Trump said, "They're five miles away, and one shot into the engine room, blew up the engine room, the ship stopped."
He added, "They used tug boats, and then we landed on top of it." In a previous social media post, he noted that the "Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room."
Iran warns of possible renewed conflict
Amid the escalating situation, Iranian officials have warned that tensions could soon lead to renewed military conflict.
Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a senior figure in Iran’s military command, said on Saturday, May 2, that further confrontation appears increasingly likely.
🇮🇷🇺🇸 Iran says it's likely the war will resume as "evidence shows the U.S is not committed to any agreements or treaties."
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 2, 2026
Deputy commander of Iran's military HQ, Mohammad Jafar Asadi:
"The actions and statements of U.S officials are primarily media-driven aimed first at… https://t.co/wDSNgqsQCH pic.twitter.com/8qe2Hna8HN
"A renewed conflict between Iran and the United States is likely," Asadi stated, according to remarks published by Fars News Agency. He added, "Evidence has shown that the United States is not committed to any promises or agreements."
The comments came shortly after President Trump indicated dissatisfaction with a new negotiating proposal from Iran, raising further doubts about the prospects for de-escalation.
With both sides signaling hardened positions, the situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, carrying implications for regional stability and global shipping routes.
