The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) is using MV-22 Ospreys and F-35B Lightning II stealth aircraft in the Arabian Sea as part of the United States' deployment of over 15 warships to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas.
The blockade, which started at 1400 GMT and would be impartially applied to all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those on the Arabian and Gulf of Oman, was confirmed today by US Central Command (CENTCOM).
It stated that US forces will not obstruct ships travelling to and from non-Iranian ports across the Strait of Hormuz."While travelling in the Arabian Sea, USS Tripoli (LHA 7) performs night flight operations. Because Tripoli lacks a conventional well deck, it can accommodate more helicopters, MV-22 Ospreys, F-35B Lightning II stealth aircraft, and additional maintenance space. The ship can surge to support up to 20+ F-35Bs during peak operations, according to a statement from CENTCOM.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy any Iranian fast-attack vessels that approached the barrier. He asserted on social media that the majority of Iran's fleet had already been destroyed in the conflict.

"Iran's 158 ships are lying at the bottom of the sea, totally destroyed. We haven't struck their few "fast attack ships," as they refer to them, because we didn't think they posed much of a threat. Warning: Using the same method of execution that we employ against drug dealers on boats at sea, any ship that approaches our blockade will be instantly eliminated. It is violent and swift. P.S. 98.2% of drugs entering the United States by sea or ocean have ceased! I appreciate you taking the time to consider this. President DJT," Trump wrote on social media.

The blockade comes after a US delegation returns from negotiations in Pakistan. The team, which was headed by Vice President JD Vance and included special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, was unable to reach an agreement to put an end to the conflict that started on February 28 with Israeli and US strikes on Tehran.
On Sunday, Trump declared the blockade.
The US military had previously stated that all ships departing or attempting to dock at Iranian harbours would be subject to the action. However, Washington did not immediately declare that the blockade was in place as the deadline of 1400 GMT passed, and there were no reports of any interceptions.
The action takes place in spite of a two-week ceasefire that the US and Iran agreed to last Wednesday in order to facilitate talks.