The U.S. military says it has redirected 70 commercial vessels, disabled three ships and boarded two others while enforcing its naval blockade against Iran, marking one of the most significant updates on Washington’s maritime operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the blockade began.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement posted on X on Monday, August 24, that American naval forces continue to enforce the blockade against Iran. CENTCOM said U.S. forces redirected 70 commercial vessels to ensure compliance with the operation, while also disabling three vessels and boarding two others during enforcement activities.
The U.S. blockade was launched after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S.-Iran conflict earlier this year. Washington says the operation is intended to prevent vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports while allowing freedom of navigation for ships traveling to non-Iranian destinations through the strategic waterway.
CENTCOM has gradually increased the number of vessels it says have been diverted under the operation. Earlier updates reported dozens of redirected ships, while the latest announcement raises the total to 70 commercial vessels since enforcement intensified.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has immediate implications for global energy markets and maritime security in the Gulf.
Iran has strongly condemned the U.S. naval blockade, warning that continued American military operations around its ports and territorial waters would be viewed in Tehran as a continuation of the war. Iranian officials have also threatened penalties, vessel detention and cargo confiscation for ships they say violate Iran’s transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz.
The maritime standoff comes as Washington prepares a new package of sanctions against Iran while regional diplomatic efforts continue to reduce tensions around the Gulf and keep commercial shipping moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
