US Central Command says 48 ships redirected since Iran naval blockade resumed

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said 48 commercial vessels have been rerouted since the naval blockade targeting Iran resumed on July 14. In a post on X, the command said US forces in the region have neutralized two ships and are searching for another two. CENTCOM added that F-16 fighter jets have been conducting patrol missions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and released footage of one of the aircraft during a refueling operation. The command said the operation was ongoing as of August 5 and was being carried out in coordination with allied forces. The statement said maritime traffic in the area was being closely monitored and that ship-routing and interdiction activities under the blockade were continuing.