US Central Command announced on Thursday, September 17, 2026, that its forces had diverted 104 commercial vessels as part of measures to enforce the US naval blockade of Iran. The announced figure represents an increase from an earlier statement by the command on September 12, which said its forces had diverted 100 commercial vessels during the 60 days since the blockade resumed.
Resumption of the blockade and timing of naval operations
The command had announced the resumption of blockade operations on July 14, 2026, against vessels bound for or departing from Iranian ports and coastal areas, while continuing to support the movement of vessels not covered by those measures in territorial waters. The resumption of the blockade followed an initial phase that lasted from April 13 to June 18, 2026.
Tehran says opening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping is linked to ending the US blockade, while US Central Command maintains that its measures target vessel traffic to and from Iranian ports.
