The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced its ongoing "strict" enforcement of a maritime blockade on Iran, confirming that its forces have redirected 44 commercial ships as of August 3 as part of the blockade measures.
CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces have detained two vessels attempting to breach the blockade and boarded two more to ensure compliance with regulations, which aim to prevent ships from entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas without authorization.
The blockade encompasses all Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. However, it does not target vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz coming from non-Iranian ports and allows the passage of humanitarian aid shipments.
According to CENTCOM, the maritime blockade began on April 13 following a breakdown in negotiations between Washington and Tehran. It was temporarily suspended on June 18 due to an interim understanding but resumed in mid-July after the collapse of the agreement and renewed military confrontations between the two parties.
During the first phase of the blockade, more than 140 ships were redirected, nine vessels were detained, and over 50 ships carrying humanitarian aid were permitted passage, according to the U.S. command.
These developments coincide with statements from President Donald Trump, asserting that the United States will not allow anything to reach Iran without reaching an agreement or what he described as "complete surrender."
In contrast, Tehran labels the maritime blockade as illegal and denies engaging in direct negotiations with Washington, noting that its current communications are limited to Oman to discuss arrangements for a temporary navigation passage through the Strait of Hormuz.