U.S. Central Command

The USS George Washington (CVN 73) crew works as a team to receive, sort, and distribute more than 270 pallets of mail during a replenishment at sea, providing a vital connection to home for 5,000 service members on board. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Forces Disable Cargo Vessel Attempting to Violate Blockade TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 10, after the ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. A U.S. military fighter jet struck the stern of Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica (also known as the “Arika Sun”) with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew. The large cargo vessel was attempting to transit regional waters after having previously departed an Iranian port. CENTCOM forces resumed America’s blockade against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports on July 14. Four commercial vessels have been disabled and 135 ships have been turned around during three months of strict enforcement. Additionally, U.S. forces have destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' multibillion-dollar shadow network over the same period. @U_S_CENTCOM

Today, CENTCOM briefed international shipping partners on the Strait of Hormuz during a virtual discussion. Leaders highlighted building momentum for freedom of navigation as commercial traffic flow increases. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, thanked industry leaders and other U.S. government agencies for their continued support and acknowledged the sacrifices made by civilian crews due to unwarranted Iranian attacks. @U_S_CENTCOM

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) returns home to California today after a historic deployment to the Middle East. Over 5,000 Sailors and Marines supported thousands of combat flights and sailed more than 90,000 miles. Congratulations on the well-deserved reunion with loved ones! @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission in the Middle East. @U_S_CENTCOM

🚫 CLAIM: Earlier today, a general from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed in media reports that "the Strait of Hormuz is closed" and his country has "full control over it." This is FALSE. ✅ FACT: Traffic is flowing through the Strait of Hormuz right now carrying commercial goods and energy supplies, including 20 million barrels of crude oil. The United States and regional partners clearly control the strait. @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II takes off from the flight deck of USS Boxer (LHD 4) as the ship sails in the Middle East. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Marines refuel an MV-22 Osprey in the Middle East. @U_S_CENTCOM

USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducts flight operations while sailing in regional waters in the Middle East. @U_S_CENTCOM

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) sails in the Arabian Sea supporting enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Sept. 30, CENTCOM forces have redirected 125 commercial vessels to ensure strict compliance. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Marines conduct maintenance on an MV-22B Osprey in the hangar bay aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4). @U_S_CENTCOM

USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducts flight operations as the aircraft carrier sails in the Arabian Sea. @U_S_CENTCOM

An F/A-18 Super Hornet prepares to launch from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the aircraft carrier sails regional waters in the Middle East. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit train aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) as the ship sails in regional waters and continues to support enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Sept. 25, CENTCOM forces have redirected 122 commercial vessels to ensure strict compliance. @U_S_CENTCOM

Statement from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander: @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Army Soldiers reload a Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) in the Middle East. The LPWS is a mobile air defense system that can eliminate aerial threats. @U_S_CENTCOM

Different platforms, same team. U.S. military air power across the CENTCOM theater promotes regional security and stability. @U_S_CENTCOM

USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) sails in regional waters as the guided-missile destroyer continues strict enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran, preventing commerce from entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. As of Sept. 21, U.S. forces have redirected 110 commercial vessels to ensure compliance. @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Sailor stands watch aboard USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53). As of Sept. 20, CENTCOM forces have redirected 109 commercial vessels to ensure total compliance. @U_S_CENTCOM

Update from CENTCOM Commander: @U_S_CENTCOM