US Central Command Intercepts Three Commercial Vessels Attempting to Breach Irans Naval Blockade

New Delhi, July 17: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that the American military intercepted three commercial vessels attempting to breach Iran’s naval blockade.

CENTCOM stated on the social media platform X, “Under the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran, our forces have redirected three commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade. One non-compliant vessel was halted, while US personnel boarded another to ensure full compliance with the blockade regulations.”

On July 16, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a verification boarding operation on the tanker M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman.

According to CENTCOM, US forces have resumed actions to halt maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports since Tuesday.

CENTCOM emphasized, “The maritime area around the Strait of Hormuz is completely open and secure. Only those vessels attempting to violate the ‘Steel Wall Blockade’ imposed by the US are restricted.”

Following President Donald Trump’s announcement to end the ceasefire in April, US forces have conducted attacks on Iranian positions for six consecutive days.

Previously, the US military reported firing missiles at a non-cargo oil tanker attempting to reach an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf, successfully thwarting its efforts.

In a social media post on Wednesday, CENTCOM stated, “The commercial vessel ignored multiple warnings while attempting to breach the US blockade. The vessel was identified as M/T Belma, flagged under Curacao.”

It further noted that an American aircraft disabled the vessel heading towards Kharg Island by targeting its smokestack with Hellfire missiles. The vessel is no longer en route to Iran.

On Tuesday, the US military reinstated its naval blockade against vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

CENTCOM previously indicated that the US military launched two attacks against Iran on Wednesday.

The command wrote on X, “At 3 PM, the US military initiated operations for the second wave of attacks against Iran today. The strikes are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.”