US Central Command announced on Monday, 21 September, that US naval forces had so far rerouted 110 commercial vessels as part of tightened measures targeting shipping and trade moving to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.
Rafael Peralta destroyer carries out maritime interceptions
In a statement published on X, the command said the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta was continuing its operations in the region’s waters as part of enforcing US restrictions and preventing the delivery of unauthorised shipments. It said the measures were intended to ensure that vessels complied with the applicable bans. The restrictions cover shipping bound for major Iranian ports overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
They include the port of Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest trade artery, as well as the ports of Bushehr, Jask and Chabahar. The US destroyer is carrying out interception and inspection operations in international waters and waterways near Iran’s maritime borders.
Navigational warnings and vessel rerouting
The operations involve sending navigational warnings to ships and tankers and requiring them to alter their routes before reaching ports targeted by the measures. The movements of USS Rafael Peralta form part of maritime patrols intensified by Washington to pursue unregistered ships and oil tankers that it says are attempting to circumvent the economic sanctions imposed on Iran.
The operations have led to rising maritime friction along the region’s international shipping routes in recent months. US naval vessels continue to enforce restrictions on commercial navigation, while field operations focus on ships and tankers approaching or leaving Iranian coasts and ports.
According to Central Command, the number of vessels rerouted had reached 110 commercial ships by 21 September. The measures come amid international warnings about the impact of tighter maritime restrictions on the stability of waterways and the security of global supply chains, in a region containing major routes for commercial shipping and oil tankers between the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
