US Central Command has confirmed that American forces have redirected fifty‑three commercial vessels as part of the ongoing blockade against Iran.

Two ships have been disabled and two boarded during enforcement operations. More than thirty vessels were permitted safe passage for humanitarian aid deliveries, underscoring the dual nature of the blockade which combines strict interdiction with limited humanitarian allowances.

The command highlighted that sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln continue to maintain F/A‑18E Super Hornets to ensure the carrier strike group remains fully mission ready. CENTCOM shared footage of maintenance activities on the flight deck, emphasising readiness to enforce the blockade.

The Abraham Lincoln is operating in the Arabian Sea, projecting sustained American naval power in the region.

CENTCOM also released imagery of a US Marine Corps F‑35C stealth fighter jet launching from the Abraham Lincoln as the carrier transited the Arabian Sea. This demonstration of advanced strike capability reinforces the message that the blockade is backed by overwhelming force. The command reiterated that as of 2 August, thirty‑five vessels had been redirected, with two disabled and two boarded, showing continuity in enforcement measures.

On Sunday, CENTCOM confirmed that thirty‑five commercial vessels were redirected, alongside the disabling of two ships and boarding of two others. The blockade, reimposed last month, continues to be enforced across regional waterways, with American forces maintaining a visible and active presence.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington is working to establish a secure maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz to allow commercial shipping while maintaining pressure on Iran. He explained that Tehran has indicated willingness to permit maximum oil flow through the strait, but Washington remains sceptical of Iranian assurances. Vance stressed that the United States is attempting to maximise oil and gas exports from the region to stabilise global energy prices.

Speaking to Fox News, Vance declared that the United States has destroyed Iran’s nuclear program, dismantled its conventional military, and significantly reduced its asymmetric capabilities. He added that Washington is now assessing whether Tehran is prepared to make long‑term changes in its relationship with the United States. If not, he said, America will continue applying pressure while ensuring energy supplies remain steady for domestic benefit.

The blockade forms part of a broader strategy to constrain Iran’s regional influence and military capacity. The United States is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic channels while maintaining military dominance in the Gulf.

The Abraham Lincoln strike group, with its carrier‑borne aircraft including F/A‑18E Super Hornets and F‑35C stealth fighters, represents a formidable deterrent against Iranian escalation.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense. While humanitarian shipments are permitted, commercial traffic faces strict scrutiny. The blockade has already redirected dozens of vessels, and enforcement actions against non‑compliant ships demonstrate Washington’s resolve. The United States continues to balance military pressure with limited humanitarian concessions, aiming to weaken Iran’s strategic position while avoiding a complete shutdown of essential supplies.

The broader conflict has implications for global energy markets. Any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply transits, threatens to destabilise international commerce. Washington’s efforts to secure safe passage routes reflect concern over the economic consequences of prolonged confrontation.

ANI