CENTCOM Says 100 Commercial Ships Diverted in Iran Naval Blockade

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said 100 commercial ships have been diverted under the naval blockade launched against Iran on 13 April 2026, as the operation in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman continues to disrupt traffic to and from Iranian ports. The blockade covers ships of all nationalities entering and leaving all Iranian ports in the two waterways. More than 15,000 U.S. troops have taken part in the six-week operation, during which 4 ships were blocked and 26 humanitarian aid vessels were allowed to pass. CENTCOM said the campaign has pushed trade with Iranian ports to a standstill. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said U.S. forces have carried out their mission with precision. He said the pressure on maritime traffic has been sustained as part of the wider enforcement effort. More than 200 aircraft and naval vessels have supported the operation, including the Abraham Lincoln and George H.W. Bush carrier strike groups and the amphibious assault ship Tripoli. The deployment has maintained a heavy U.S. military presence across the region.