US Central Command announced that, following the restart of a naval blockade against Iran on 14 July, it has taken action against a number of commercial ships operating in the region. The command's statement, reported by Middle East Eye, detailed the operational measures taken by US forces in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, US forces have redirected a total of 135 commercial vessels since the blockade was reinstated. In addition, four ships have been disabled during the same period as part of the enforcement effort. These figures illustrate the scale of the maritime security response undertaken by the United States in the strategically important waterway.
The command also disclosed that ten tankers identified as part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' extensive shadow network have been destroyed. The IRGC's network is described as a multibillion‑dollar operation, and the targeted tankers were linked to that illicit structure. This action forms part of a broader campaign aimed at curbing the flow of resources that support the militia's activities.
Maritime operators have been urged to comply with the blockade warnings issued by CENTCOM forces. Crews are advised to stay informed through Notice to Mariners broadcasts and to maintain communication with US naval units via the bridge‑to‑bridge channel 16 when navigating the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz. The guidance emphasizes the importance of vigilance and cooperation to avoid incidents.
The ongoing enforcement measures underscore the United States' commitment to maintaining pressure on Iran's maritime activities in the region. By redirecting commercial traffic, disabling vessels, and targeting tankers associated with the IRGC, US forces aim to limit the movement of goods that could support the Iranian militia's operations while ensuring the safety of navigation in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/centcom-says-four-ships-disabled-135-redirected-14-july.