US Says 94 Ships Redirected Under Iranian Ports Blockade

The latest figures come as Washington and Tehran continue exchanging warnings over nuclear negotiations and maritime control.

U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026. The U.S. Navy via Getty Images

U.S. Central Command said on May 21 that American forces have redirected 94 commercial vessels and disabled four ships while enforcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has largely restricted commercial transit through the strategic waterway to vessels linked to its own trade network since the U.S.–Israeli military campaign began in February.