CENTCOM Says 100 Ships Redirected

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) saidthat its forces have redirected 100 commercial vessels as part of an ongoing maritime operation described as a blockade targeting Iranian ports.

The operation, which began on April 13, follows a presidential directive authorising restrictions on commercial shipping entering and leaving Iranian ports. CENTCOM said the campaign is being enforced across all Iranian coastal access points, including ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Over the past six weeks, more than 15,000 U.S. service members — including soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen — have participated in the mission. According to CENTCOM, they have redirected 100 vessels, disabled four, and allowed 26 humanitarian aid ships to proceed.

“Our service members are doing extraordinary work,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement. “They have been highly effective by executing the mission with precision and professionalism, allowing zero trade into and out of Iranian ports which has squeezed Iran economically.”

The operation is supported by more than 200 U.S. aircraft and naval assets, including the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well as multiple guided-missile destroyers.

CENTCOM said the effort targets vessels of all nationalities operating to and from Iranian ports as part of the wider enforcement campaign.