WASHINGTON: The United States Navy has redirected 86 commercial ships, disabled three others and boarded two as part of its enforcement of a US blockade against Iran, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday.
According to CENTCOM, the actions had been carried out as of September 2 as US forces continued efforts to ensure commercial ships complied with the blockade.
“The US Navy continues to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iran,” CENTCOM said in a post on social media platform X.
The U.S. Navy continues to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Sept. 2, U.S. forces have redirected 86 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure compliance. pic.twitter.com/y5ZbqkvVod
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 2, 2026
The US military command said 86 commercial ships had been redirected, while three ships had been disabled and two boarded during the enforcement operations.
The figures provide an indication of the scale of the US naval measures being undertaken against commercial shipping operating in connection with the blockade.
CENTCOM did not provide further details about the identities of the ships involved, their cargoes or the specific circumstances surrounding the boarding, disabling or redirection of the ships.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions surrounding US measures against Iran and growing scrutiny of maritime traffic in the region.
READ ALSO: US Forces Redirect 59 Commercial Ships under Iran Blockade: CENTCOM
The US Navy maintains a significant presence in waters surrounding the Middle East, where commercial shipping routes are considered strategically important for regional and international trade.
CENTCOM’s statement did not indicate how long the enforcement campaign would continue or whether additional restrictions on commercial ships were expected.
The command said its forces would continue enforcing the blockade to ensure compliance with US requirements.
Iran continues to regard the Strait of Hormuz as a key lever of its national security and economic strategy, insisting that shipping through the strategic waterway must comply with Iranian navigation rules.
Tehran has tied any full reopening of the strait to US concessions, including an end to sanctions and military pressure, while warning that vessels using unauthorised routes could face a forceful response.
Iran has also expanded its blacklist of vessels barred from passage, bringing the number to 56, further tightening its grip over maritime traffic
