CENTCOM says 12 vessels redirected since restart of Iran maritime blockade

WASHINGTON — The US Central Command (CENTCOM) says it has redirected 12 commercial vessels and disabled one since Washington resumed its maritime blockade of Iran nine days ago.

In a statement issued overnight, CENTCOM said the measures were intended to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. The blockade was reimposed on July 14.

The command did not identify the vessels involved, disclose their flags or cargoes, or specify what was meant by disabling a ship.

The United States resumed the blockade following the collapse of the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran in April, a renewed escalation of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, and what Washington says has been Iranian targeting of commercial vessels transiting the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is among the world's most critical energy chokepoints, carrying a significant share of seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Disruption there has historically driven volatility in global energy prices and shipping insurance costs.

The blockade forms part of a broader regional escalation in recent weeks. Iran has launched missiles and drones at Gulf states hosting US forces, with Bahrain and Kuwait among those reporting attacks on power, water and civil aviation infrastructure, while Jordan has said its air defences intercepted missiles that entered its airspace. Regional governments and Arab and Islamic bodies have condemned the attacks and urged de-escalation.

Qatar, which along with other mediators helped broker the April understanding, has repeatedly called for a return to dialogue and for the implementation of what was agreed, including guarantees on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.