CENTCOM Reports 138 Vessels Redirected to Enforce Iran Blockade

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - US Central Command (CENTCOM) said late Saturday, that it has redirected 138 commercial vessels since the naval blockade on Iran resumed on July 14, in order to ensure strict compliance with the restrictions.

In a post on X, the command said: “USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) transits regional waters in support of the naval blockade against Iranian ports. As of Oct. 17, CENTCOM forces have redirected 138 commercial vessels to ensure strict compliance.”

Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that Iran faces a choice between abandoning its “nuclear ambitions” and reaching a deal, or facing devastating military action.

“Iran’s going to have a choice to make real quick about whether they’re going to give those up at the table or face the kind of devastation that America can bring and will bring swiftly if necessary,” Hegseth told Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets and military recruits at the University of Tennessee.

He accused Tehran of building a large conventional missile arsenal to deter military action while pursuing “nuclear ambitions.” He argued that US military strength was essential to forcing adversaries to negotiate.

Hegseth also said Iran “funds the proxies in Hezbollah, funds the proxies in the Houthis in Yemen,” adding that Washington had sought to deter attacks on US forces and shipping.

The defense chief framed the policy on Iran as part of US President Donald Trump’s wider effort to reassert American power. He said this included confronting drug cartels and limiting the influence of Iran, China and Russia in Latin America.

Referring to Venezuela, Hegseth said the US operation there would have “generational implications.” He described the country as a strategic partner and highlighted its oil resources. He said Washington was seeking to push its rivals out of the Western Hemisphere while strengthening its military presence and partnerships across the Americas.