The US Navy has implemented a blockade against Iranian ports, starting on April 13, 2023, after negotiations to end the Iran conflict failed. This blockade is enforced by more than 15 US warships and has involved the boarding of two vessels and the redirection of 27 others to Iranian ports. The blockade's enforcement has been labeled illegal by Iran, which claims it violates ceasefire agreements and has threatened retaliation against US allies in the Gulf region. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command, stated that US forces have effectively halted economic trade to and from Iran by sea. The US Navy's operations have included the seizure of the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel Touska, which was intercepted in the Arabian Sea. The blockade draws parallels to previous US actions against vessels trading with Venezuela and is supported by international maritime law, allowing for the boarding of vessels under certain conditions. However, Iran's military capabilities, including ballistic missiles and fast-attack boats, pose a significant threat of escalation should conflicts arise during the blockade enforcement.