[62100] CENTCOM tightens naval blockade on Iran: dozens of ships have changed their route

Escalation in the Gulf: U.S. Central Command reports enforcement of naval blockade

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on May 15, 2026, that the naval blockade imposed on the southern coast of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz is being implemented fully and effectively. According to cumulative reports from Iran International and Payam Iran, since the start of operational activity, 75 commercial ships have been forced to change their sailing routes to avoid friction with U.S. forces.

In addition, according to Iran International, four ships that violated the directives were taken out of commission as a result of U.S. military actions. CENTCOM described these figures as evidence of the "full execution of the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz."

For the purpose of enforcing the blockade, CENTCOM reported on extensive activity by air and naval forces, including the destroyer 'USS Rafael Peralta', from which MH-60R helicopters took off for reconnaissance missions. At the same time, U.S. air forces increased their presence in the region, as according to a report by Iran International, F-35A stealth aircraft were observed conducting sorties over territorial waters near the Strait of Hormuz, alongside night flights by F-16 aircraft conducting "regular patrols for regional security."

The reports come from sources identified with a critical line toward the regime in Iran, emphasizing the intensity of the U.S. enforcement. Along with this, additional channels such as اخبار فوری ایران و آمریکا™ | جنگ | NEWS confirmed the reported figures regarding the change of route by commercial ships as part of the response to U.S. blockade measures.