US Diverts Two Commercial Vessels Attempting to Breach Iran Blockade

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that its forces diverted two commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade of Iran. The military stated the incident occurred since the resumption of the naval blockade against Iranian ports.

‘Since the resumption of the maritime blockade against Iranian ports 17 hours ago, US forces have diverted two commercial vessels that attempted to breach the blockade,’ CENTCOM said, as reported by Anadolu Agency on Wednesday (15/7/2026). ‘The US military remains vigilant and ready to ensure full compliance,’ it added.

The announcement followed the launch of new CENTCOM strikes against Iranian targets, which the military said aimed to degrade capabilities used by Iran to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilians and commercial shipping across the Middle East.

‘Over the past seven days, Iran has deliberately targeted civilians throughout the region by attacking seven commercial vessels, resulting in nearly a dozen civilian mariners killed, missing, or wounded,’ Cooper said.

US President Donald Trump said the strikes would continue in the coming days, warning that the US would begin targeting power plants and bridges next week unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table.