The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that 21 ships have returned to Iran since the start of the U.S. naval blockade. The announcement came as Iran declared that it had reopened the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels. According to CENTCOM’s post on social media platform X, the blockade began on April 13 at Iranian ports located in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that the waterway would be closed if the United States did not lift its blockade in the region. Shipping companies have remained cautious about transiting the strait, and only a few vessels passed through the key maritime route on Friday.

The developments highlight heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, with both U.S. and Iranian actions affecting global shipping routes and regional stability.