Key facts
- US Central Command reported downing multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- US forces intercepted all drones, ensuring continued unimpeded transit through the strait.
- 136 commercial ships have been redirected and 9 disabled by US forces amid ongoing operations.
- A Honduran-flagged vessel was seized near Fujairah, and an Indian cargo vessel reportedly sank off Oman's coast.
- Iran has instituted new transit protocols requiring cooperation with its naval forces for passage.
US naval and air forces continue operations to enforce a blockade against Iran, having redirected 136 commercial ships and disabled nine vessels, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). These operations follow recent maritime incidents, including the seizure of a Honduran-flagged vessel, the Hui Chuan, near Fujairah by forces believed to be Iranian, and the reported sinking of an Indian cargo vessel off Oman's coast, with Iran suspected of involvement. US forces recently shot down multiple Iranian drones launched toward commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with CENTCOM stating all were intercepted and that the international trade corridor remains open. These actions occur amid diplomatic developments, including US President Donald Trump halting planned military strikes against Iran due to reported progress in talks, though Iranian negotiators have rejected imminent deal reports. Iran has announced new transit protocols requiring commercial vessels to cooperate with its naval forces for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, instituting a maritime insurance policy for cooperating vessels, with ships from China, Japan, and Pakistan reportedly passing under this framework.