US forces redirect 92 commercial vessels amid Iran maritime blockade

TAMPA, Sep 6: US forces have redirected 92 commercial vessels as part of efforts to enforce a maritime blockade against Iran, the US military’s Central Command said Sunday.

“As of Sept. 6, US forces have redirected 92 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two to ensure strict compliance,” Central Command said in a post on X. It also said a US Air Force F-35A stealth fighter was patrolling regional waters.

The announcement comes amid continuing military tensions between Washington and Tehran, including disputes over navigation and restrictions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides have accused each other of failing to implement commitments under a June memorandum of understanding mediated by Pakistan and Qatar that outlined steps toward ending hostilities, reopening the strategic waterway and addressing economic restrictions.