US Marines boarded a commercial ship in the Arabian Sea over suspected Iran-bound travel but released it after confirming it was headed to Oman, highlighting strict enforcement of the Iran blockade.
US Marines board commercial vessel in Arabian Sea over suspected Iran route as forces enforced Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The vessel, identified as M/V Blue Star III, is a container ship sailing under the flag of Comoros and was intercepted after raising concerns about its intended destination.
According to US Central Command, Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted the boarding operation after suspecting the ship was attempting to reach an Iranian port in violation of US restrictions. Video released by the command showed Marines rappelling from helicopters onto the vessel in the Arabian Sea.
However, the operation concluded quickly after an onboard inspection determined the vessel was not heading to Iran. Maritime tracking data indicated that the ship’s actual destination was the port of Sohar in Oman. Following confirmation of its route, US forces released the vessel without further action.
Officials indicated the boarding may have occurred prematurely, though it was carried out under standard enforcement protocols tied to the ongoing blockade. The operation highlights heightened scrutiny of commercial shipping routes as US forces continue to monitor compliance in the region.
The incident comes as the US blockade of Iranian ports enters its second month, significantly impacting maritime traffic patterns. US Central Command reported that 39 vessels have been redirected since enforcement began, underscoring the scale of intervention in regional shipping.
Data shared by the command also reflects growing congestion near Iranian ports. Prior to the blockade, an average of five ships were typically anchored at Chabahar port. That number has now risen to more than 20, as vessels accumulate while access remains restricted.
The boarding and release of M/V Blue Star III illustrate the complexities of enforcing maritime restrictions in a high-traffic region, where commercial routes intersect with evolving geopolitical tensions.
