US reinstates Iran maritime blockade after 26-day pause, extends airstrikes to 4th consecutive day

The United States reinstated its maritime blockade of vessels traveling to and from Iran on Tuesday and carried out a fourth consecutive day of airstrikes against Iranian military facilities, sharply escalating pressure on Tehran.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on its X account that it had resumed the blockade of ships traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, effective 4 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday.

CENTCOM said more than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft were conducting operations across the Middle East, adding that US forces remained on alert and in a combat-ready posture.

The blockade marks the first time the US has intercepted vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from Iran since lifting the measure on June 18 — 26 days earlier. Washington had suspended the blockade the day after the US and Iran signed an MOU on June 17 related to an end of war, but reinstated it following a renewed outbreak of armed conflict triggered by Iranian attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump announced the decision to resume the blockade on Tuesday, signaling his intent to intensify economic pressure on Iran.

US forces also launched additional airstrikes against Iranian military facilities shortly before the blockade took effect. CENTCOM said it initiated the strikes at 3 p.m. that day to continue degrading Iran's ability to attack merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

US airstrikes against Iran have continued for four consecutive days since Saturday, July 11.

The moves came amid growing fears of a full-scale resumption of hostilities after the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran effectively collapsed.

At least 19 warships are currently deployed in the northern Arabian Sea, including two aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships carrying more than 1,000 Marines.