A US Navy destroyer navigates the ocean with helicopters in formation above.

US Forces Redirect 55 Vessels Under Iran Naval Blockade

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WASHINGTON — August 10, 2026

US forces have redirected 55 commercial vessels as part of a naval blockade against Iran, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The command also said American forces disabled two vessels and boarded two others while enforcing the blockade.

CENTCOM said US sailors were operating aboard the USS Ross, one of more than 20 US warships deployed in the Middle East for military missions that include enforcing the blockade. The command did not provide details about the vessels involved or explain the circumstances of the actions.

The reported operations come amid an ongoing military conflict between the United States and Iran. According to the source, the conflict began in February after the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran, which responded with drone and missile attacks against Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

The two countries agreed to a ceasefire in April and later signed a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the conflict and establishing a lasting peace agreement. That arrangement collapsed last month, after the two sides exchanged attacks for nearly two weeks.

US President Donald Trump later halted the bombardment as reports emerged of efforts to restart talks between Washington and Tehran. The latest US naval actions indicate that pressure on Iran is continuing through enforcement of the maritime blockade.

CENTCOM did not provide further information on the commercial ships affected, including their nationalities, destinations or cargo. The available statement also did not specify whether the vessels were linked to Iran or why each vessel was redirected, disabled or boarded.