U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reports that American forces have redirected 100 commercial vessels over the past two months while enforcing a maritime blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The enforcement began on July 14, with CENTCOM stating that no ships have passed through the blockade without U.S. authorization.
The blockade, described by CENTCOM as a resumption of a previous naval strategy, involves disabling three vessels and boarding two others to ensure compliance as of September 6. Additionally, CENTCOM confirmed that more than 50 vessels carrying humanitarian aid have been permitted to pass through the blockade since September 10.
Iranian tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been targeted, with CENTCOM reporting the destruction of 10 such tankers in response to attempted Iranian strikes against U.S. Navy warships in the Middle East. The U.S. military has framed these actions as part of its broader maximum-pressure strategy against Tehran, which combines military enforcement with economic sanctions aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports and regional influence.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas transit, has become a focal point of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the waterway have stalled, with an Iranian official stating that no formal agreement on shipping is expected from ongoing discussions in Oman.
During a visit to Dublin on September 12, former President Donald Trump reiterated claims of U.S. control over the strait, stating, “We really very powerfully control the Hormuz Strait, and nobody saw that happening. But we have very powerful control over it.” Trump’s administration has framed the blockade as a necessary measure to counter Iranian aggression in the region.
CENTCOM’s statement emphasized the operational scale of the enforcement, noting that American service members remain “laser-focused” on maintaining the blockade. The military has not responded to requests for additional details regarding the rerouted vessels beyond its official updates.