U.S. Central Command Boards Commercial Vessel in Arabian Sea to Enforce Iranian Port Blockade

ARABIAN SEA — U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the commercial vessel M/V Blue Star III on April 28 after it was suspected of attempting to transit to an Iranian port in violation of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

U.S. forces released the vessel following a search that confirmed its voyage would not include an Iranian port call. American forces have redirected 39 vessels to date as part of the ongoing blockade enforcement.

Vessel Boarding Operation

The video shows a helicopter guided onto a U.S. naval vessel flight deck at dusk by deck crew using blue light wands, followed by the aircraft transitioning over open water to approach M/V Blue Star III.

Troops in tactical gear deploy onto the deck among shipping containers under helicopter over-watch, with a rope line visible. The video ends with the helicopter departing and troops securing positions on the vessel.

The boarding team confirmed through search that the vessel’s planned route did not include an Iranian port. U.S. forces released the vessel after the inspection.

Broader Blockade Enforcement

This interception forms part of sustained U.S. maritime operations to enforce the blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. Central Command stated that American forces continue to operate and enforce the blockade across the Middle East, with 39 vessels redirected to date.

Official Statements

• U.S. Central Command, April 28, “Earlier today in the Arabian Sea, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/V Blue Star III, a commercial ship suspected of attempting to transit to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. forces released the vessel after conducting a search and confirming the ship’s voyage would not include an Iranian port call. American forces continue to operate and enforce the blockade across the Middle East. So far, 39 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance.”

• U.S. Department of State, April 28. “SECRETARY RUBIO: We have to ensure that any deal that is made with Iran definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.”

• U.S. Embassy Kuwait, April 28, “Kuwait: We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. Kuwait International Airport began a phased resumption of operations on April 26. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways announced that limited flights to select destinations from Kuwait International Airport on April 26. Visit airline websites to find information about flight availability and ticket purchase.”