According to The Washington Post, Washington has expanded its naval operations against Iran beyond the Middle East. Citing a source, the newspaper reported that the US Navy has become more active in the Indo-Pacific region as well.

On April 21, US forces detained the tanker Tifani in neutral waters between Sri Lanka and Indonesia and also escorted at least one other vessel off India’s western coast. The report noted that sanctions had been imposed on Tifani in the summer of 2025 after it transported Iranian oil.

The day before, US destroyers also escorted at least two Iranian tankers — Dorena and Sevin — which had departed from the port of Chabahar before the blockade was introduced. According to the newspaper, the US Navy continues to track numerous vessels as part of that blockade effort, relying on the speed of its destroyers to move quickly for interception when necessary.

Earlier, on April 17, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the Hormuz Strait had been reopened. But the very next day, Iran’s Central Military Headquarters said military control over the waterway had been restored. Teheran explained the move by accusing Washington of continuing piracy and maritime banditry under the cover of the blockade.