Thirteen ships destroyed as CentCom chokes off Iranian maritime trade

U.S. Central Command (CentCom) has redirected 130 commercial vessels since mid-July as part of an active naval blockade of Iranian ports, according to a statement released on Monday, 5 October. The operation, which resumed on 14 July under the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to halt maritime trade with Iran amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Naval Enforcement and Vessel Interdictions CentCom confirmed the latest vessel was turned away on Monday, 5 October. Over the past 12 weeks, U.S. naval forces have also disabled three vessels that refused to comply with orders and destroyed 13 ships. The command stated these ships either violated the blockade or were linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) \"shadow network.\" Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of CentCom, stated that the U.S. military is prepared to act against any vessels attempting to bypass the restrictions. The enforcement has significantly impacted regional energy flows, with reports indicating that Iranian oil exports have dropped to near-zero levels as the blockade reshapes trade in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Security and Mariner Advisories The announcement follows a period of heightened rhetoric, including U.S. threats of military escalation and Iranian claims that they are overcoming the economic pressure. Despite these claims, the sustained presence of U.S. warships has effectively established a restricted zone that mariners are now being warned to navigate…