Iran Blockade: CENTCOM Diverts 9 Commercial Ships, 1 Vessel Rendered Inoperable

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the maritime blockade against Iran is ongoing. As of July 22, nine commercial ships have been diverted from their routes, and one vessel has been 'rendered inoperable.' According to information shared by CENTCOM, the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) supported the implementation of the maritime blockade against Iran while on duty in the Gulf of Oman. The statement noted that to ensure the enforcement of the blockade, nine commercial ships have altered their routes, and one commercial vessel has been 'rendered inoperable.' CENTCOM did not provide details on the nationality of the vessel, how it was stopped, or if any damage or casualties occurred during the operation. This development comes as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. On the same day, the European Union's maritime mission Aspides advised commercial ships linked to the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia not to pass through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. US President Donald Trump announced yesterday that 18 US soldiers have been killed in the US and Israel's war against Iran. Trump shared data on US involvement in wars on his social media account, which sparked increased domestic backlash against the US administration.