WASHINGTON: The United States has diverted 55 commercial vessels during its ongoing naval blockade against Iran, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
In a statement posted on social media platform X, CENTCOM said the number of commercial ships whose routes had been changed had risen to 55, compared with 53 vessels reported a day earlier.
The US military said more than 20 American warships are currently deployed across the Middle East and are participating in various military missions. These missions include enforcing the naval blockade against Iran, according to CENTCOM.
The latest development highlights the growing US naval presence in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran and increased scrutiny of commercial maritime traffic linked to the country.
CENTCOM’s statement did not provide further details about the identities of the vessels, their destinations or the specific reasons for diverting each ship. It also did not clarify whether all 55 vessels had been physically intercepted or had altered their routes in response to US military directives.
The announcement comes amid continuing tensions over maritime traffic in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways and a major route for global energy shipments.
The deployment of more than 20 US warships underscores Washington’s efforts to maintain control over maritime movements in the region and enforce its stated measures against Iran.
The latest figures also indicate that the number of commercial vessels affected by the US operation is continuing to increase, with two additional ships reportedly diverted compared with the previous day.
