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USS Abraham Lincoln leads US blockade operations (Img: CENTCOM)
Washington: The US Central Command has confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is spearheading ongoing US naval blockade operations in the Arabian Sea.
In a statement shared on X, CENTCOM highlighted the aircraft carrier’s role in enforcing maritime restrictions as part of broader US military activity in the region.
According to CENTCOM, the blockade involves a significant deployment of resources, including more than 10,000 personnel, over a dozen naval vessels, and upwards of 100 aircraft.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea, April 16. The ship's embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control planes, MH-60 helicopters and… pic.twitter.com/o3DY8JHLaT
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 17, 2026
The operation is focused on restricting access to Iranian ports and coastal areas. Officials clarified that the measures are not aimed at blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, but are limited to Iranian maritime zones.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is equipped with a carrier air wing comprising advanced aircraft, including F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 jets, EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D command-and-control planes, and helicopters.
These assets provide surveillance, strike capability, and logistical support, enabling sustained operations across a wide maritime area.
CENTCOM also highlighted the role of the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D Black (DDG-119), which is actively monitoring vessels in the vicinity of Iranian waters.
‘Either Agree to Peace or Face Blockade and Strikes,’ US Warns Iran
The destroyer is part of a broader naval presence tasked with ensuring compliance with the blockade and intercepting ships attempting to access restricted areas.
US officials reiterated that the blockade applies to vessels of all nationalities seeking to enter or leave Iranian ports. Military leadership stressed that the operation is being conducted in accordance with directives aimed at maintaining regional security.
US President Donald Trump said the naval effort was proceeding effectively, noting that the presence of US forces has deterred ships from approaching restricted zones.
