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The United States military said its blockade operations against Iran are continuing as tensions across the Middle East remain elevated.

According to United States Central Command, American forces have now redirected 115 commercial vessels as of May 29 to prevent commerce from entering or leaving Iranian ports.

The latest figure marks another escalation in one of the most closely watched maritime operations in the region. US officials say the blockade is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran while maintaining control over commercial shipping activity connected to Iranian ports.

CENTCOM says blockade has redirected 115 vessels

CENTCOM stated that commercial ships continue being rerouted to ensure compliance with the blockade.

The operation officially began in April and has steadily expanded over recent weeks. Earlier updates from the US military showed the number of redirected ships gradually rising from dozens to more than 100 vessels.

US military statements have previously said the blockade applies to vessels entering or departing Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. American forces have also stated that ships traveling to non Iranian ports are not being targeted under the operation.

The blockade has involved major naval assets, aircraft, destroyers, and carrier strike groups operating across regional waters.

Iran tensions keep global shipping and oil markets on edge

The continued blockade remains important for global markets because Iran sits near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

Any disruption connected to the region immediately attracts attention from energy traders, shipping companies, and financial markets. Oil prices have already experienced major volatility in recent weeks as geopolitical tensions intensified across the Middle East.

Recent reports have also pointed to ongoing negotiations and possible diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran regarding shipping access and broader regional tensions.

At the same time, military incidents and retaliatory strikes have continued creating uncertainty around whether the situation could escalate further.

US blockade becomes major pressure point in wider Iran conflict

The blockade has now become one of the central pressure tools being used against Iran economically.

CENTCOM previously stated that the operation had already redirected more than 100 vessels while allowing certain humanitarian aid shipments to pass.

American officials argue the mission is being carried out to enforce sanctions and restrict Iranian commercial activity. Critics meanwhile warn that prolonged maritime restrictions could increase tensions further and continue impacting regional trade routes.

For now, the latest update showing 115 redirected vessels signals that the operation remains fully active as geopolitical uncertainty across the Middle East continues driving global market attention.