The United States has intensified its maritime pressure on Iran. US Central Command said American forces have diverted 82 commercial vessels since mid-July.
CENTCOM said the vessels were diverted as part of efforts to enforce Washington’s naval embargo on Iranian ports. The figures were released on August 28.
US forces have also disabled three vessels and inspected two others. At the same time, CENTCOM said at least 40 ships had been allowed to pass on humanitarian grounds.
CENTCOM says blockade remains effective
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said US forces had stopped Iran from exporting oil by sea since the embargo resumed.
Cooper described the blockade as “effective and strong”. He said it was helping Washington achieve its objectives against Tehran.
The commander also claimed that no vessel had entered or left an Iranian port without US authorisation. He said humanitarian cases were the main exception.
The expanded blockade represents a major increase in US economic and strategic pressure on Iran. Washington is using maritime restrictions to limit Tehran’s ability to export oil.
The measures also extend the pressure beyond the financial system. By targeting commercial shipping, the US is seeking to make sanctions more difficult for Iran to bypass.
However, the campaign could have wider consequences. Restrictions on shipping may affect global trade, energy markets and security across the region.
US-Iran tensions remain high
The latest figures highlight the increasingly confrontational relationship between Washington and Tehran. Maritime access has now become an important part of the US pressure campaign.
The blockade could also create challenges for commercial operators. Shipping companies may face greater uncertainty when operating near Iranian ports and surrounding waters.
For now, CENTCOM says the restrictions remain firmly in place. The continued blockade is likely to keep maritime security and Iranian oil exports at the centre of tensions between the two countries.
