U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported updated enforcement figures on its naval blockade targeting vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. According to the latest data, American forces have redirected 12 commercial vessels and disabled one ship since resuming the blockade nine days ago. Additionally, U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a verification boarding aboard M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman on July 16 to ensure full compliance. The military remains vigilant in its operations to degrade Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft currently deployed across the Middle East.

Enforcement Actions at a Glance

The following table summarizes CENTCOM's reported enforcement actions across blockade operations:

Operational Scope and Policy

President Donald Trump previously clarified the scope of the blockade, stating: "We will have a full blockade, but only on ships coming to and from Iranian ports." He further asserted that "all other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait" and positioned the U.S. as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT." The move received public endorsement from former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who characterized it as the "right move."

UAE Strategic Shift

While Washington focuses on securing the waterway, the United Arab Emirates is pursuing a strategy to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. Dubai-based logistics giant DP World is planning a new port and container terminal on the UAE's east coast in Fujairah. This project would allow cargo to bypass the Strait of Hormuz altogether, marking a significant shift in Gulf trade infrastructure. The reported move follows severe disruptions to trade through Dubai's Jebel Ali Port during recent conflicts, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure inside the Gulf.

Explosions and Energy Stakes

Iran's Mehr news agency reported that explosions were heard in the maritime area of eastern Hormozgan and Sirik, with the sounds appearing linked to an exchange of fire in the waters of the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Trump's plan to charge a 20% fee on cargo passing through the waterway, dismissing the proposal while reasserting Tehran's historic guardianship over the strait. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz averaged 20.90 million barrels per day in the first half of 2025, accounting for approximately 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption.

Iran has refused to improve a diplomatic proposal currently on the table that discusses a 10-day ceasefire in Hormuz, according to two sources who spoke to i24News. The development has raised concerns among key stakeholders about the viability of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Diplomatic Deadlock Over Hormuz Ceasefire

According to the two sources cited by i24News, a significant disconnect has emerged between the mediators involved in the negotiations. The Americans, in particular, are concerned that the diplomatic track is currently blocked, signaling a potential impasse in efforts to reach an agreement.

Mediator Disconnect Raises Concerns

The reported disconnect between mediators underscores the complexity of the current diplomatic situation. American concerns that the diplomatic track is blocked reflect the challenges facing efforts to advance the proposal, as Iran's refusal to improve the terms on the table has contributed to the stalled negotiations.