Military part of Americas United States

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

The 31st MEU is a forward-deployed U.S. Marine Corps rapid response force based in Okinawa, Japan. Known for its continuous deployment in the Indo-Pacific and capacity to conduct amphibious and expeditionary operations across a wide operational range. Recently, the unit has been active in Arabian Sea maritime interdiction operations enforcing an Iran blockade. Last updated Jul 6th, 2026

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Operations

CENTCOM:

Earlier today in the Arabian Sea, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/V Blue Star III, a commercial ship suspected of attempting to transit to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. U.S...

CENTCOM:

Earlier today in the Arabian Sea, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/V Blue Star III, a commercial ship suspected of attempting to transit to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. forces released the vessel after conducting a search and confirming the ship’s voyage would not include an Iranian port call.

American forces continue to operate and enforce the blockade across the Middle East. So far, 39 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance.

Operations

MUST WATCH 🔴

CENTCOM: On April 19, U.S. forces in the Arabian Sea enforced the blockade by intercepting the Iranian flagged M V Touska heading to Bandar Abbas at 17 knots.

USS Spruance (DDG-111) issued repeated warnings over 6 hours. Afte...

MUST WATCH 🔴

CENTCOM: On April 19, U.S. forces in the Arabian Sea enforced the blockade by intercepting the Iranian flagged M V Touska heading to Bandar Abbas at 17 knots.

USS Spruance (DDG-111) issued repeated warnings over 6 hours. After non compliance, the crew was ordered to clear the engine room, which was then disabled by 5 inch MK 45 fire.

Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the vessel. It is now in U.S. custody.

CENTCOM says the action was deliberate and proportional. 25 vessels have been turned back since the blockade began.