Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the M/T Celestial Sea, which was suspected of attempting to violate the US blockade by transiting toward an Iranian port. After searching the vessel, American forces released it but ordered the crew to alter course.

The incident marks another clear signal that Washington is enforcing the blockade at sea, not only through warnings but through direct military action. US forces have now redirected 91 commercial ships to ensure compliance with the restrictions.