CENTCOM Denies claims Iranian vessels evaded US blockade

International, North America

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has dismissed reports that Iranian vessels successfully breached the ongoing American blockade against Iran.

In a statement, CENTCOM confirmed that US forces have directed 29 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of enforcement operations. Media reports had alleged that several commercial ships — including M/V Hero II, M/V Hedy, and M/V Dorena — slipped past the blockade to deliver millions of barrels of oil.

CENTCOM described these claims as inaccurate. It clarified that Hero II and Hedy remain anchored in Chah Bahar, Iran, after being intercepted earlier in the week, while Dorena is under escort by a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean following an earlier attempt to violate the blockade.

The command stressed that evading a US blockade is “impossible,” citing America’s global reach. “American forces are operating and enforcing the blockade across the Middle East and beyond,” the statement said.

The blockade has been a major source of tension between Washington and Tehran. Iran recently withdrew from a second round of talks with the United States, accusing the blockade of violating ceasefire terms.

US President Donald Trump has insisted the blockade will remain in place until Washington secures agreement with Iran on key demands and a pathway to ending the war.