CENTCOM Statement on Iran Blockade; Statistics of Diverted Ships Released

Details of the New CENTCOM Statement and Ship Statistics

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), in an official statement released today, June 13, 2026, announced the latest statistics regarding the naval blockade operations against Iran. According to this report, U.S. forces stationed in the region have forcibly diverted the routes of 139 commercial ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports [2]. These figures indicate an increase in military pressure on Iran's economic arteries in recent weeks.

In addition to the ship diversions, CENTCOM confirmed that 9 other vessels were "disabled" or deactivated by naval forces due to non-compliance with military orders and attempts to break the blockade [1]. These actions are part of the Trump administration's "Maximum Naval Pressure" strategy, aimed at cutting off Iran's access to global energy and commodity markets.

Continuation of the Naval Blockade Since April 13

The current naval blockade, which began on April 13, 2026, has affected all commercial traffic to key Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman [4]. According to the CENTCOM statement, this operation involves more than 15,000 military personnel and several carrier strike groups. The stated goal of this operation is to prevent Iranian oil exports and strategic commodity imports until a new agreement is reached.

Field reports indicate that many of the so-called "ghost fleet" ships, previously used to bypass sanctions, are now forced to turn back or stop in international waters when facing U.S. blockade lines [2]. However, CENTCOM noted that 26 ships carrying humanitarian aid have been allowed to pass through the area to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Turkish Media Reports and International Reactions

Regional media, including the Turkish news website "Haber 7," published a report last night analyzing the dimensions of this blockade. In the report by this Turkish outlet, the number of diverted ships by the end of June 12 was stated as 136, which has now reached 139 with the addition of 3 more ships in today's CENTCOM statement [1].

International analysts believe that the release of these precise statistics is a direct message to Iran's trading partners and international shipping companies to avoid any interaction with Iranian ports. Meanwhile, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have reached their highest level in decades, and global maritime shipping prices have increased significantly due to ships rerouting toward the Cape of Good Hope [4].

Ambiguity in the Fate of the Peace Agreement and Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz

Despite the ongoing military operations, conflicting diplomatic signals are being broadcast from Washington and Islamabad. Pakistan, acting as a mediator in this crisis, has claimed that the final text of a "peace agreement" is ready and could be signed within the next few days [3].

U.S. President Donald Trump, in recent remarks while criticizing some leaked provisions of the deal, announced that the two sides are close to a "big deal" that would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a conditional lifting of the blockade [2]. However, until the official signing of this agreement, CENTCOM emphasized that the strict enforcement of the naval blockade will continue without change to maintain pressure on Tehran [3].