US Forces Block 100 Ships in Iranian Port Blockade

The United States Central Command announced that U.S. military forces have pushed back 100 commercial vessels over the last 60 days as part of a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The operation, enforced by the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, aims to deprive Tehran of revenue. U.S. officials stated that no ships have passed through the blockade without authorization.

This maritime strategy follows a cycle of escalation that began in late February when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Tehran, prompting Iran to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Tensions further intensified after an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attack on a U.S. warship led to U.S. strikes on five Iranian tankers. Iran responded by attacking two vessels and eight tankers.

In September, the U.S. military reduced the daily window of air defense coverage for commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, shifting to two specific daily time slots and discouraging nighttime transits. This change was driven by increased Iranian attacks and the high operational costs of advanced aircraft. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on temporary secure passage, with Gulf state foreign ministers scheduled to meet in Oman on September 15.