BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 20. US Central Command (CENTCOM) says it has redirected 67 commercial vessels as part of operations to enforce its renewed naval blockade involving ships travelling to or from Iranian ports.
In an update posted on X, CENTCOM said US forces had also disabled three vessels and boarded two others that were bound for or departing from Iranian ports.
The operations come amid heightened maritime tensions surrounding Iran and strategically important shipping routes in the region.
Since the outbreak of the conflict, maritime traffic has faced what has been described as a “dual blockade” dynamic. Iran has sought to restrict shipping associated with US-allied countries, while American forces have responded with military operations, naval escorts and measures targeting access to Iranian ports.
The United States says its actions are aimed at maintaining access to international energy corridors and protecting maritime navigation, while increasing pressure on Tehran.
CENTCOM’s latest update comes as US President Donald Trump has promised additional “crushing” economic measures against Iran following the failure of Washington and Tehran to reach an agreement.
The developments indicate that economic and military pressure on Iran is increasingly extending to maritime trade and shipping routes connected to Iranian ports.
