US Diverts 38 Merchant Ships as Iran Port Blockade Continues

The US military has redirected 38 commercial ships as part of a renewed naval blockade of Iranian ports. According to recent reports, these actions are part of ongoing security operations in the region.

The update was shared as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln traveled through the Arabian Sea, supported by US fighter jets to secure the mission.

The blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports restarted on July 14, following orders from US President Donald Trump.

Details of the Previous Maritime Blockade

An earlier blockade took place between April 13 and June 18. During this time, US Central Command (CentCom) stated that forces redirected over 140 compliant ships, stopped 9 non-compliant vessels, and allowed more than 50 ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass safely.

US officials temporarily lifted these restrictions in mid-June. This followed a memorandum of understanding between President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian aimed at easing tensions and restoring shipping access.

However, US authorities restarted the operations later, citing non-compliance by Iran. This followed incidents involving ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran claimed was an "unauthorised" transit.

Impact on Regional Shipping and Energy Markets

CentCom confirmed that the operation only targets ships traveling to or from Iranian ports. The Strait of Hormuz remains open to compliant international shipping.

Iranian officials have challenged this, claiming more control over the strategic waterway and warning of possible effects on global energy markets.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has played a key role in the US naval presence during the wider 2026 regional conflict, which escalated earlier this year.

As a result of these ongoing operations, shipping costs and insurance rates for vessels traveling through the region remain high.

Importantly, humanitarian ships that comply with the blockade guidelines are still allowed to pass safely, according to US military officials.

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