US Forces Divert 59 Commercial Ships Under Iran Blockade, CENTCOM Says
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said American forces have diverted 59 commercial vessels, disabled three ships and boarded two others while enforcing the “Steel Wall” blockade imposed on Iran.
According to CENTCOM, the operations are being conducted to ensure full compliance with the blockade. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the US military command said the actions had been carried out through August 12.
CENTCOM also released a photograph showing an F/A-18 fighter jet taking off from the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier. The command said the aircraft was supporting US operations to enforce the blockade in regional waters.
The latest figures highlight the expanding scope of US maritime operations in the region as Washington seeks to tighten restrictions on shipping connected to Iran.
