US Military Intercepts 55 Vessels in Iran Sanctions Enforcement

The U.S. military has intensified its enforcement of sanctions against Iran, directing 55 commercial vessels to change course, disabling two ships, and boarding two others, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM reported on social media platform X that U.S. naval personnel were on board the USS Ross (DDG 71), one of over 20 U.S. warships deployed in West Asia to support military operations, including sanctions enforcement. Specific details regarding the vessels involved or the circumstances leading to these actions were not disclosed by CENTCOM.

Iran and the U.S. have been engaged in conflict since February, following joint attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Tehran. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes against countries hosting U.S. military assets. The two nations reached a ceasefire in April and signed a memorandum of understanding mediated by Pakistan in June, aiming to end military conflict and achieve lasting peace.

However, this agreement faltered last month when the U.S. and Iran resumed hostilities for nearly two weeks. U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly halted the attacks amid reports of negotiations to resolve the conflict.

The recent actions by the U.S. military underscore the ongoing tensions and the U.S. commitment to enforcing its sanctions regime against Iran, despite previous attempts at de-escalation.