115 Iran-linked ships redirected: US naval blockade on Iran continues

The US military announced on Thursday that it had redirected 115 commercial ships under its renewed naval blockade of Iran, signaling increasing pressure on maritime traffic as Washington aims to limit trade with Tehran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed that as of September 23, their forces had redirected 115 vessels under the blockade, which is distinct from seizing or destroying ships.

CENTCOM explained that the blockade targets vessels heading to or from Iranian ports and coastal zones, while permitting normal commercial traffic in nearby waters. As of the same date, CENTCOM has redirected 115 commercial ships to ensure the strict enforcement of the US's "steel wall" blockade. The latest move follows the resumption of the naval blockade on July 14, succeeding a previous blockade from April 13 to June 18.

During the earlier operation, over 140 compliant vessels were redirected, and nine non-compliant ships were disabled, while more than 50 humanitarian aid shipments were permitted through. The current blockade is part of the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the crisis surrounding the Hormuz Strait, which handles a significant portion of international oil and gas trade.

Disruption in Hormuz could impact oil prices, tanker rates, insurance costs, and ultimately, fuel prices worldwide. Shipping traffic has already dropped significantly from its usual levels.