CENTCOM says 44 commercial ships diverted and two halted under its naval blockade

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement issued on the evening of Monday, August 3, 2026, that since resuming its naval blockade of Iran it has diverted 44 commercial ships, halted two vessels and inspected two others. The command added that it will continue to enforce the blockade strictly.

The figures follow CENTCOM's earlier announcement about escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of May, and point to continuing disruption of maritime traffic in the region.

According to reports on Monday, August 3, oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen to between 3 and 5 million barrels per day, against roughly 20 million barrels per day before the conflict began. The Strait of Hormuz is the main outlet for Persian Gulf oil, and any change in traffic there feeds into freight rates, vessel insurance and world oil prices.