The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has emphasized the role of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in ongoing US blockade operations in the Arabian Sea. In a post on X on Friday, CENTCOM stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln was operating in the Arabian Sea as part of US blockade activities conducted on April 16. It also detailed the carrier’s air wing, which includes F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 jets, EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D command-and-control planes, MH-60 helicopters, and CMV-22B Osprey aircraft used for logistics support.

The operation comes amid rising US-Iran tensions, with the carrier’s deployment underscoring a significant US naval presence in waters near Iran. CENTCOM further said US forces are enforcing a large-scale maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports and coastal areas, involving more than 10,000 personnel, over a dozen naval vessels, and more than 100 aircraft.

In another post, CENTCOM said the USS Abraham Lincoln was transiting the Arabian Sea as part of the blockade of Iran’s ports and coastline, while clarifying that the Strait of Hormuz is not included. It added that US forces are ensuring no vessels enter or leave Iranian ports in violation of presidential orders. CENTCOM also noted that sailors aboard the USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) are actively monitoring and intercepting ships near Iranian waters as part of the enforcement operation.

US President Donald Trump said the blockade is proceeding effectively, calling it routine for the Navy and claiming that no vessel is attempting to challenge it. US officials clarified that the blockade applies only to Iranian ports and coastal regions and does not extend to the Strait of Hormuz. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, also stated that the restrictions apply to all ships regardless of nationality.