CENTCOM says it blocked and redirected over 100 commercial vessels

U.S. Central Command announced on May 22 that it blocked more than 100 commercial vessels and redirected about 100 ships as part of a six-week maritime operation targeting Iran-backed threats in the Middle East. The operation, which began around early April, involved over 15,000 U.S. personnel, carrier strike groups, and coordination with international shipping partners, according to CENTCOM's X post. Forces disabled four vessels deemed threats, while allowing 26 humanitarian ships to pass unimpeded. CENTCOM described the effort as enforcing maritime security in key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, where Iran-aligned groups have targeted commercial traffic since late 2023. "Our forces worked alongside partners to deter aggression and protect global trade," the command stated. 1/ This marks one of the largest U.S.-led interdiction efforts in the region since Houthi attacks escalated in October 2023, per prior CENTCOM updates. The 100+ blocks prevented potential arms shipments or sanctions-evading vessels linked to Iran's IRGC navy proxies. Numbers breakdown: - Blocked: 100+ commercial vessels - Redirected: ~100 ships - Disabled: 4 (likely via non-lethal means like seizures or engine damage) - Humanitarian passes: 26 - Personnel: 15,000+ - Duration: Past 6 weeks 2/ Context: Iran has seized or harassed dozens of ships since 2019, including the 2023 attack on the MSC Aries, a Portuguese-flagged vessel. U.S. Navy reports show over 50 Houthi missile/drone strikes on shipping in the Red Sea alone through May 2026. CENTCOM's carrier strike groups—likely including the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and escorts—provided air cover and escorts, building on Operation Prosperity Guardian launched in December 2023. 3/ International angle: CENTCOM highlighted "shipping partners," naming allies like the UK, France, and Bahrain in joint patrols. The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 40-nation coalition, logged 150+ vessel escorts in the region this year, per CMF data. No shots fired at commercial ships in this op, unlike prior incidents where U.S. forces downed 100+ Houthi drones. 4/ Impacts: Global shipping costs rose 30% on Red Sea routes since disruptions began, with Maersk diverting 90% of vessels around Africa, adding 10-14 days per trip. CENTCOM's blocks aimed to "restore freedom of navigation," cutting delay risks for 12% of world trade via the Suez Canal. Humanitarian carve-out ensured aid flows; the 26 passes included World Food Programme vessels carrying 500,000 tons of grain since January. 5/ Broader U.S. posture: This follows CENTCOM's April strike on 3 Iran-backed boats in the Gulf of Aden. Pentagon briefing on May 20 noted 20,000 troops deployed regionally, up 15% from 2025. Iran denied involvement in recent threats, calling blocks "piracy" via state media. No U.S. casualties reported. Next: CENTCOM's daily updates on X track ongoing ops; expect June review amid UN shipping security talks in Bahrain.