Washington: The United States has reintroduced strict maritime restrictions targeting Iranian shipping after accusing Tehran of carrying out attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf region, a move that has further heightened tensions in West Asia and pushed global oil prices higher.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the renewed blockade came into effect early Tuesday, restricting merchant traffic linked to Iranian ports. The military command said the decision was taken after a series of incidents involving commercial ships and growing concerns over the security of maritime routes in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington has significantly expanded its military presence in the region, deploying nearly 50,000 personnel along with warships, fighter aircraft and surveillance assets across multiple bases and naval platforms. CENTCOM stated that more than 20 US Navy vessels and hundreds of aircraft are currently operating across the Middle East to monitor the evolving situation.
US officials alleged that Iranian-backed forces had targeted several commercial ships over the past week, resulting in casualties and injuries among civilian crew members. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said the United States would hold Iran responsible for actions that threaten international shipping and regional stability.
Tehran, however, has rejected US accusations and accused Washington of escalating the conflict through military action and economic pressure.
The renewed confrontation has already begun affecting energy markets. Brent crude climbed above $81 per barrel, its highest level in several weeks, as traders worried about possible disruptions to oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit corridors.
Ship-tracking data also indicated a sharp decline in vessel movements through the strait in recent days, reflecting growing caution among shipping companies and insurers.
The latest measures follow a breakdown in diplomatic understandings reached earlier this year. Since July 7, both countries have exchanged missile and drone strikes, effectively ending the brief period of de-escalation that had followed negotiations in June.
US officials confirmed that recent military operations targeted Iranian military infrastructure at several coastal and strategic locations, aiming to reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a broader retaliatory campaign against what it described as American interests and allied assets across the Gulf region.
With military deployments increasing and commercial traffic facing new restrictions, analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for global energy supplies, shipping costs and financial markets worldwide.
