US disables two ships, redirects 12 others in blockade against Iran

US forces have disabled two commercial vessels and redirected 12 others as part of an ongoing naval blockade aimed at restricting unauthorized maritime transport to Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the actions on Saturday, emphasizing that the blockade remains "in full effect" across key Middle Eastern maritime corridors.

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The U.S. naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect.

In the Gulf of Oman, US forces disabled the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine on July 24 after its crew allegedly violated the blockade multiple times and ignored warnings. CENTCOM stated the vessel is "no longer transiting to Iran." Meanwhile, in the Arabian Sea, US forces conducted a verification boarding of the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar, which was then allowed to continue its journey.

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CENTCOM forces disabled Mozambique-flagged M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman, July 24, after the crew attempted to violate the blockade multiple times and ignored repeated warnings.

CENTCOM highlighted the continued vigilance of its forces, describing them as "highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready." These interdictions underscore the persistent maritime security operations in the region, including the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

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the ship is no longer transiting to Iran.

The heightened activity follows Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting four commercial ships in the southern Strait of Hormuz over a 24-hour period. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported these vessels were navigating an "illegal and unsafe route." While no casualties or damage were reported from the IRGC's actions, the incidents reflect the ongoing maritime tensions between the US and Iran.

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American forces "remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready."