US Forces Redirect 30 Commercial Vessels as Part of Iran Naval Blockade: CENTCOM

WASHINGTON, Jul 31: US forces have redirected 30 commercial vessels, disabled two others and boarded two as part of efforts to enforce a naval blockade against Iran, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said the actions were carried out to ensure compliance with the US blockade as American naval forces continued operations in regional waters.

“A US Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter is prepared for flight aboard USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) as the warship supports the U.S. blockade against Iran while sailing in regional waters,” CENTCOM said.

“As of July 31, CENTCOM has redirected 30 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2 to ensure full compliance,” it added.

Despite the blockade, CENTCOM said US forces had allowed nearly 30 vessels carrying humanitarian aid to pass through.

“The U.S. military has also permitted nearly 30 ships to pass through the blockade for humanitarian aid,” the command said.

The figures provide an account of US naval enforcement activities against commercial shipping as Washington maintains pressure on Iran and seeks to regulate maritime traffic in the region.