US Deploys Naval Blockade and Sanctions Against Iran

The United States military and Treasury Department launched a coordinated campaign of naval restrictions and economic sanctions against Iran between July 28 and 29, 2026. U.S. Central Command implemented a blockade described as a steel wall around Iranian waters, deploying more than 20 warships. During these operations, U.S. forces redirected 18 commercial vessels, disabled two others, and boarded two ships to ensure compliance.

Concurrent with the military escalation, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 10 entities and eight tankers to disrupt Iranian attempts to monetize the Strait of Hormuz. These measures specifically target the Arabian Gulf Marine Insurance Co. and HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority for allegedly extracting digital assets and revenue from transiting ships. Six of the sanctioned entities are based in China.

These actions follow the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at U.S. forces and joint U.S.-Saudi Arabian strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the measures aim to prevent Iran from using international shipping to finance the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.