The United States Central Command confirmed late Wednesday night that its ongoing naval blockade has now intercepted and turned around a total of 31 vessels attempting to reach Iranian docks.
According to a statement released by CENTCOM on X, the vast majority of these intercepted ships were oil tankers.
This surge in activity follows a formal vow from Washington to halt all maritime traffic entering or exiting Iran. The blockade is the centerpiece of a strategic effort to apply maximum pressure on Tehran. U.S. officials have maintained that the corridor will remain closed to all commercial shipping for the foreseeable future.
The situation on the water, however, has become increasingly volatile. Iranian officials have publicly denounced the naval operation, labeling the blockade a direct violation of the standing ceasefire agreement with the United States. In a sharp escalation of rhetoric and action, Tehran reported that it targeted and attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday.
READ: Trump Orders Navy To “Shoot And Kill” Mining Vessels In Strait Of Hormuz
As the number of diverted tankers climbs, the maritime standoff continues to disrupt one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
While the U.S. remains committed to its policy of total port isolation, the recent strikes in the Strait suggest the ceasefire is under significant strain. For now, the 31 ships turned back represent a growing logjam in a region already on edge.
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