US Enforces Full Naval Blockade Against Iran, Redirects 12 Commercial Ships

The United States has said its naval blockade against Iran remains fully operational, with American forces redirecting commercial vessels, boarding tankers and disabling ships that allegedly failed to comply with repeated warnings. The latest maritime actions come as tensions across the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz continue to intensify amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

CENTCOM details fresh maritime interdictions

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday (local time) that coalition forces have redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to breach the maritime perimeter established under the American blockade of Iran.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said two vessels that failed to comply with instructions were disabled, while two others were boarded to ensure adherence to the blockade.

Detailing recent operations, CENTCOM said American forces carried out a verification inspection of a commercial tanker in the Arabian Sea.

"Earlier today, U.S. forces completed a verification boarding aboard Comoros-flagged M/T Charminar in the Arabian Sea, and the tanker is now continuing its journey," the statement read.

CENTCOM also described enforcement action taken against another vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

"CENTCOM forces disabled Mozambique-flagged M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman, July 24, after the crew attempted to violate the blockade multiple times and ignored repeated warnings," CENTCOM stated, noting that "the ship is no longer transiting to Iran."

Reiterating its position, the command said maritime enforcement operations would continue across the region.

"The U.S. naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect," CENTCOM emphasised, adding that American forces "remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready."

Iran intercepts ships as maritime tensions escalate

The latest US actions come after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces reportedly intercepted four commercial ships in the southern Strait of Hormuz over a 24-hour period, seeking to force the vessels to stop and alter course.

Iranian state broadcaster IRIB said the vessels were travelling along an "illegal and unsafe route," although officials did not reveal the identities or nationalities of the ships. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the interceptions.

The developments follow a separate incident on Friday involving the Mozambique-flagged LPG tanker DISHA, carrying 28 Indian crew members, which was attacked inside Iranian territorial waters.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran said it was closely monitoring the situation with local authorities and confirmed that all crew members were safe.

Shipping disruption grows across the Middle East

Despite persistent threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, dozens of commercial vessels have continued to transit the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to a New York Times analysis of shipping data. However, growing concerns over the conflict and maritime security have prompted several ships to alter course or turn back before reaching their destinations.

During the past week, Houthi rebels controlling large parts of Yemen have targeted at least three oil tankers, with the latest attack taking place on Friday.

Any prolonged disruption in the Red Sea could significantly impact global trade, which is already under pressure from the expanding conflict in the Middle East.

The war between the United States and Iran, now in its fifth month, has also sharply reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors that previously handled around one-fifth of global oil supplies.

(With inputs from ANI)