WASHINGTON: The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that American forces have redirected 85 commercial vessels in the region to ensure adherence to the US blockade and restrictions involving Iranian ports.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Centcom said it continues to “strictly enforce” the American blockade measures connected to Iranian maritime facilities and shipping activity.
CENTCOM continues to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. U.S. forces have now redirected 85 commercial vessels to ensure full compliance. pic.twitter.com/zKZBdSJzVC
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 18, 2026
According to the statement, US forces operating in the region have intervened in the movement of dozens of commercial ships passing through strategic waterways linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
“US forces have now redirected 85 commercial vessels to ensure full compliance,” Centcom stated in its post, without providing additional operational details about the ships, their destinations, or the duration of the enforcement activity.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where maritime security and freedom of navigation have remained major international concerns due to ongoing disputes involving Iran and Western powers.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered a critical global energy corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass every day. Any disruption or military activity in the area often raises concerns among global markets, shipping companies and regional stakeholders.
Centcom did not clarify whether the redirected vessels were heading directly towards Iranian ports or whether the action formed part of broader maritime monitoring and sanctions enforcement operations.
The US military has maintained an expanded naval presence in the Gulf in recent years, citing the need to safeguard commercial shipping routes and ensure regional stability. Washington has repeatedly accused Tehran of activities that it claims threaten maritime security, allegations that Iran has consistently denied. No immediate response from Iranian authorities was available following Centcom’s latest statement.
