US Central Command Claims Ongoing Naval Blockade and Ship Interdictions Targeting Iran

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that its naval blockade operations targeting maritime traffic linked to Iran remain fully underway. According to statements released by the military command, U.S. forces have actively monitored and intercepted commercial navigation in key Middle Eastern sea lanes, escalating pressure on Iranian maritime commerce.

CENTCOM claimed that its forces have rerouted 130 merchant vessels throughout the region as part of enforcement measures. In addition, the command asserted that over the past 12 weeks, military assets destroyed 13 commercial ships that had allegedly breached the blockade protocols. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized the command's strict posture, warning that forces remain prepared to act swiftly against any vessel attempting to circumvent the restrictions.

The enforcement efforts reportedly resumed on July 14 under presidential directives, specifically aiming to interdict vessels attempting to access or depart Iranian seaports. The reported operations represent a significant kinetic approach toward merchant shipping in critical international waterways, underscoring ongoing regional friction between Washington and Tehran.

Official authorities in Tehran have not formally commented on the claims, and the reported vessel destruction and diversions have not been independently confirmed by third-party maritime trackers. Regional observers warn that continued interdiction efforts could escalate tensions and threaten the safety of vital energy transit routes in the Gulf.