U.S. military officials said a formal blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would start with air power and could involve at least two aircraft carrier battle groups or land-based air forces. The plan would seek to stop Iranian vessels and vessels leaving Iranian ports from passing through the strait into the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The plan also includes P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft, E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft, and a large number of drone swarms in the area.