US forces redirect 92 vessels and maritime blockade against Iran

Vessels are seen anchored at the port city of Bandar Abbas overlooking the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran on September 5, 2026. The United States said it struck and destroyed three Iranian oil tankers on September 5 in response to attempted missile attacks on naval vessels, in the latest exchange of fire since renewed hostilities flared between the foes. The new clashes, which began with US raids last week, come with both sides deadlocked in the six-month war as Iran keeps a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz and Washington presses its counter-blockade of Iranian ports. -- Photo by Atta KENARE / AFP

ISTANBUL (Bernama-Anadolu): US forces have redirected 92 commercial vessels while enforcing a maritime blockade against Iran, the US military's Central Command said Sunday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. 

"As of Sept 6, US forces have redirected 92 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure strict compliance," Central Command posted on X.

The command also said a US Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jet was patrolling regional waters.

The statement came amid an ongoing conflict that began when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks against US targets across the region.

Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding in June, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, outlining steps toward ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing economic restrictions.

The two sides have since accused each other of failing to implement commitments under the memorandum, while military tensions have continued alongside disputes over sanctions and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU