US Says Naval Blockade on Iran Continues, Tanker Boarded and Vessel Disabled

The United States affirmed that its naval blockade against Iran is ongoing, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announcing the interception of multiple commercial vessels allegedly attempting to reach Iran in violation of the operation.

According to a CENTCOM statement released on July 25, U.S. forces redirected 12 commercial vessels that tried to transit toward Iran. Additionally, two vessels were disabled after failing to comply with repeated warnings, and two others underwent verification boardings to enforce the blockade.

CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces completed a verification boarding of the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar in the Arabian Sea. Following the inspection, the vessel was permitted to continue its journey. The command also stated that U.S. forces disabled the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman on July 24. This action was taken after the vessel's crew allegedly made multiple attempts to breach the blockade and ignored repeated warnings. CENTCOM asserted that the vessel is no longer en route to Iran.

The U.S. military indicated that its forces are on high alert and prepared to continue enforcing the blockade, describing their posture as "highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready." These claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate comment from Iran or the operators of the vessels mentioned in the CENTCOM statement.