CENTCOM Says US Forces Redirected 44 Commercial Vessels Under Iran Blockade

TAMPA, Aug 3: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that American forces continue to strictly enforce the US blockade against Iran, reporting that dozens of commercial vessels have been intercepted or redirected as part of the operation.

In an update released on Aug. 3, CENTCOM said US forces have redirected 44 commercial vessels, disabled two vessels, and boarded two others while enforcing the blockade.

The military did not provide further details on the identities of the vessels, their destinations, or the circumstances surrounding the disabling and boarding operations.

The latest figures come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, following US President Donald Trump's declaration that the blockade would remain in place until Iran agrees to a deal with the United States or accepts what he described as "total surrender."

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil and gas exports, remains at the center of the standoff as the United States continues maritime operations in the region.