The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on 26 July that the United States' naval blockade against Iran remains fully operational, with American forces having redirected 12 commercial vessels, boarded 2 for compliance verification, and disabled 2 that failed to comply. The blockade, enforced across the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, marks one of the most assertive US naval enforcement actions in the region in recent years.

Key Developments at Sea

CENTCOM stated in a post on X: 'The U.S. naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect. As of July 25, CENTCOM has redirected 12 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade, disabled 2 that didn't comply, and boarded 2 to ensure total compliance.'

Among the vessels involved, the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar was boarded by US forces in the Arabian Sea for a verification inspection before being cleared to continue its journey. In a separate incident on 24 July, the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine was disabled in the Gulf of Oman after its crew allegedly attempted to breach the blockade on multiple occasions and ignored repeated warnings from US forces. CENTCOM confirmed the vessel is 'no longer transiting to Iran.'

Strikes on Iranian Military Infrastructure

Separately, CENTCOM disclosed that US forces had completed their 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iran as of 24 July. The strikes reportedly targeted Iranian military command centres, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities. According to CENTCOM, the operations are aimed at reducing what it describes as threats posed by Iran to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Notably, CENTCOM maintained that the Strait of Hormuz — through which a significant share of the world's seaborne oil passes — remains open for commercial transit, with US military support enabling continued navigation despite the ongoing hostilities.

Scale of US Military Presence

CENTCOM disclosed that more than 50,000 US service members are currently deployed across the Middle East as part of ongoing regional operations. The command stated that 'American forces remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready,' signalling no imminent drawdown.

This comes amid a broader escalation in US-Iran tensions, with the blockade and sustained air campaign representing a significant shift from the deterrence-only posture Washington had maintained for much of the past two decades. Critics and regional analysts have raised concerns about the humanitarian and economic implications of disrupting commercial shipping in one of the world's most strategically vital waterways.

What Happens Next

With 13 consecutive nights of strikes and an active naval enforcement operation, the trajectory points toward sustained pressure rather than a quick resolution. How Iran responds — and whether non-aligned nations with vessels in the region push back diplomatically — will shape the next phase of this confrontation. Global energy markets and shipping insurers are closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz.