The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had rerouted 86 commercial vessels through September 2 as part of what Washington describes as the enforcement of a maritime blockade against Iran, amid escalating military tensions between the United States and Tehran.
In a statement, CENTCOM said U.S. naval forces were continuing to enforce the blockade measures, adding that they had stopped three vessels and boarded two others to verify their compliance with the measures in place.
CENTCOM did not disclose the names of the vessels involved, the countries whose flags they were flying, the nature of their cargo, or the locations where the vessels were intercepted and rerouted.
Number of Rerouted Vessels Continues to Rise
The latest U.S. figures indicate an increase in the pace of maritime operations. On August 28, CENTCOM said American forces had rerouted 82 commercial vessels.
The figure therefore rose to 86 vessels by September 2, an increase of four vessels in recent days. The number of vessels Washington said it had stopped remained at three, while two vessels had been boarded by U.S. forces.
The developments come as the United States continues strikes against military targets inside Iran. According to U.S. statements, the targets have included facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, air-defense and radar systems, naval facilities and capabilities associated with mine-laying, as well as communications sites.
Strait of Hormuz at the Center of the Escalation
A major part of the maritime confrontation is centered around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Washington says its operations are intended to protect commercial shipping and prevent vessels from being targeted.
U.S. officials said around 40 vessels passed through the strait in both directions on Tuesday, as American forces also announced that they had intercepted anti-ship cruise missiles and drones that they said Iran had launched toward vessels in the area.
In another development, reports indicated that the administration of President Donald Trump had begun implementing a policy based on the principle of “tanker for tanker”, following U.S. military strikes against two Iranian oil tankers. The move reflects the expanding scope of the maritime confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
The latest developments indicate that the escalation between the United States and Iran is no longer limited to air and missile strikes, but is increasingly extending to commercial shipping and vessel security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, adding further pressure to one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
