CENTCOM says it has directed 5 commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz since mid-July

BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. Central Command said it has directed five commercial vessels and disabled one in the Sea of Oman and the Persian Gulf since July 18, as it continues to enforce what it described as a "strict" maritime blockade against Iran. The command released footage of operations involving the USS Donald Cook destroyer and an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter in the area. The announcement comes against a backdrop of renewed U.S. strikes on targets inside Iran, particularly in southern regions and on infrastructure facilities. On June 18, 2026, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding calling for a halt to military operations and the start of negotiations on a broader agreement. President Donald Trump declared the temporary arrangement over on July 8, after three ships were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. strikes on Iranian territory resumed. Washington says it wants to secure freedom and safety of navigation in the strait, while Tehran is pushing for a mechanism to regulate ship passage through the strategic waterway. CENTCOM did not immediately provide further details on the disabled vessel.