US redirects nearly 100 commercial ships in 60 days as Iran blockade tightens

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that its forces have redirected nearly 100 commercial ships over the past 60 days as part of ongoing operations to enforce the US-imposed blockade on Iran, dubbed the "Steel Wall."

CENTCOM confirmed that no vessel has crossed the blockade zone without authorization from US forces, noting that American personnel remain focused on their mission and continue to monitor commercial maritime traffic in the area.

This comes as shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped significantly since the outbreak of war between Iran and the United States on February 28, following Iranian threats to vessels.

Before the conflict, the strait saw around 125 large commercial ships pass daily—including oil and gas tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships—but that number has now fallen to just dozens of vessels.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of the world’s daily crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. The US blockade on Iran-linked shipping has halted Iranian crude exports since sanctions were reimposed in mid-July.

Amid these developments, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that matters regarding Iran are going well and that the war will end soon, reiterating that Tehran will not acquire a nuclear weapon.

Trump made his remarks in Dublin after meeting Irish President Catherine Connolly, responding to a question about whether he could help ensure the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stating: "Everything will be fine."

The United States has resumed its blockade on Iran, with its forces continuing to enforce maritime measures in the region, as conditions in the Strait of Hormuz indicate the ongoing impact of the conflict on commercial shipping.