Screenshot from a video released by US Central Command
US Central Command (CENTCOM) released new footage showing its naval forces diverting a commercial ship in the Gulf of Oman as part of what it described as enforcement of restrictions related to Iranian sea routes.The video, shared on X, shows a sailor aboard USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) communicating with the Molly, informing its crew that it will be escorted to its next port of call. The sailor can also be heard thanking the ship for its cooperation.“Audio recording🔊 of a sailor aboard USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), with video from a guided missile destroyer helicopter flying over the Gulf of Oman, as the US Navy diverts a merchant ship while enforcing a blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.
While sharing the video on social media, she said that US forces are ready to continue the siege as long as it takes.
US Central Command said US forces remained prepared to continue the operation “as long as it takes.” She added that the deployment includes more than 10,000 individuals, along with several naval ships and aircraft, as part of a broader maritime enforcement activity in territorial waters.The command also made clear that US forces are not closing the Strait of Hormuz, despite ongoing tensions in the region and allegations of broader blockade efforts.This release comes amid continued geopolitical friction in the Gulf, with shipping activity and naval deployments remaining closely monitored.