35 Ships Forced Back as US Blockade Chokes Iranian Ports
The US military has redirected 38 commercial vessels, with 35 ships forced to turn back, as part of the renewed naval blockade of Iranian ports that resumed on July 14. The blockade, enforced by US Central Command, targets vessels bound for or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, while keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to compliant international traffic. Shipping companies and vessels are affected by the ongoing military interdictions in the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz, which have kept global shipping costs and maritime insurance premiums elevated.
The US Navy‘s aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has played a central role in the US naval presence throughout the broader 2026 war, with its air wing, including Marine F-35Cs, supporting the mission. Humanitarian vessels that comply with the blockade terms continue to be allowed through, according to US military statements. The blockade was restarted after Iranian attacks on ships, which Tehran claimed were “unauthorized” transits in Hormuz, citing Iranian non-compliance as the reason.
The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway, has seen increased tensions, with Iranian officials challenging the US characterization of the operation and warning of potential impacts on global energy markets. The ongoing blockade has significant implications for global trade and shipping, with shipping costs and insurance rates remaining elevated due to the intermittent interdictions and competing claims over freedom of navigation.
This development is the latest in a series of naval blockades and interdictions in the region, following an earlier blockage period from April 13 to June 18, during which CentCom said US forces redirected more than 140 compliant vessels, disabled 9 non-compliant ships, and allowed more than 50 commercial vessels carrying humanitarian aid to pass.
The blockade of Iranian ports is part of a broader conflict that intensified after a conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran erupted in late February. The US military has maintained that the operation is necessary to enforce maritime interdictions and ensure the safety of commercial vessels in the region.
In a related development, India has warned seafarers of Black Sea shipping risks, while Trump has linked a Saudi nuclear deal to Israel ties. The situation in the region remains volatile, with the US blockade of Iranian ports being a significant factor in the ongoing tensions.
