The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that American forces have redirected 103 commercial vessels as part of efforts to enforce the US naval blockade on Iran, amid continuing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said the vessels had been redirected as of September 15 to ensure compliance with the blockade. It also released footage of an MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter taking off from the USS Rafael Peralta in the Arabian Sea.
“An MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter lifts off from the flight deck of USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) as the ship enforces the U.S. blockade against Iran in the Arabian Sea. As of Sept. 15, U.S. forces have redirected 103 commercial vessels to ensure compliance,” CENTCOM said.
An MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter lifts off from the flight deck of USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) as the ship enforces the U.S. blockade against Iran in the Arabian Sea. As of Sept. 15, U.S. forces have redirected 103 commercial vessels to ensure compliance.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 15, 2026
The latest figure comes amid a sharp decline in commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports only four commodity vessels crossed the strategic waterway on Tuesday, compared with a 10-day average of 18, as the conflict continues to disrupt regional shipping.
