75 commercial vessels redirected as American forces tighten maritime blockade on Iran : U.S. Central Command

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday said American naval forces operating in the Arabian Sea are continuing maritime blockade operations linked to the escalating standoff with Iranwith 75 commercial vessels reportedly redirected and four disabled to ensure compliance with operational restrictions.

According to CENTCOM, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter launched from the flight deck of the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) during ongoing maritime enforcement activity in the region. The USS Rafael Peralta, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, is currently deployed as part of the expanding American naval presence in waters surrounding the Gulf and Arabian Sea.

The U.S. military statement comes amid rapidly escalating tensions involving Iran, Gulf shipping lanes and international energy routes. Washington has intensified naval operations near the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding maritime corridors following heightened security concerns and fears of disruptions to global trade and oil supplies.

CENTCOM stated that 75 commercial ships had been redirected during the enforcement operation, while four vessels were disabled after allegedly failing to comply with operational directives. The U.S. military did not immediately provide further details regarding the identity, nationality or cargo status of the affected ships.

The developments mark one of the most aggressive maritime enforcement actions in the region in recent years and are expected to raise concerns among international shipping companies and global energy markets. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption in the region highly sensitive for the global economy.

Iran has repeatedly accused the United States of imposing what it describes as an unlawful maritime blockade, while Tehran insists that commercial shipping routes remain open under coordination with Iranian naval authorities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently stated that Iran had created “no obstacles” in the Strait of Hormuz and blamed Washington for escalating regional tensions.

Meanwhile, several countries including Saudi Arabia, China and Pakistan have intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing wider military confrontation in the Gulf region. Concerns over oil supply disruptions and maritime security have already triggered volatility in global energy and shipping markets.

Security analysts say the latest U.S. military action signals a sharp escalation in the maritime dimension of the Iran crisis, with increasing risks of further confrontations involving commercial shipping and naval forces operating in the Gulf and Arabian Sea.