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U.S. Redirects 111 Vessels Under Iran Blockade, Disrupting Hormuz Shipping Traffic

U.S. Redirects 111 Vessels Under Iran Blockade, Disrupting Hormuz Shipping Traffic

According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the source, special transit measures in the Strait of Hormuz and a reported U.S. blockade are disrupting vessel movements, affecting Iranian ports, and raising geopolitical and economic concerns.

Fact Check
The claim is directly attributable to U.S. Central Command's official X post on May 28, 2026, which states that 111 commercial vessels have been redirected and that more than 20 U.S. warships are enforcing the blockade against Iran. This is corroborated by Middle East Eye and Iran International, both reporting CENTCOM's statement on the same day. The Hormuz shipping disruption framing is also reflected in market and news reporting (cryptobriefing.com).
Summary

Iran said the Strait of Hormuz has operated under special measures since March 1, requiring commercial vessels to coordinate transit with Iranian authorities, while the IRGC Navy said 26 merchant ships and oil tankers passed through in the past 24 hours with Iranian permission and two vessels were stopped after their navigation systems were altered and switched off. Separately, the source reports that the United States deployed more than 20 warships, redirected 111 vessels, and disrupted shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while also affecting Iranian ports. Baghaei described the U.S. maritime blockade as illegal and said Iran and Oman are responsible for the strait’s future management and maritime security. Together, the accounts point to heightened tensions and disruption in a critical global energy shipping corridor, though operational details from the reported U.S. action remain limited.

Terms & Concepts
  • Strait of Hormuz: A strategic maritime chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes and one of the world’s most important energy transit corridors.
  • Maritime blockade: A restriction on sea traffic intended to control or prevent vessels from entering or leaving a designated area.
  • Maritime security: Measures used to protect shipping lanes, ports, and vessels from disruption, conflict, or other threats at sea.