2026-07-18T22:58:42+00:00
Shafaq News- Washington
US forces have redirected five commercial vessels and
disabled one ship since July 18, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday.
CENTCOM noted that Washington continues to “strictly enforce
the ongoing naval blockade against Iran.”
USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) transits the Arabian Sea while an MH-60S Sea Hawk flies nearby. American forces continue to strictly enforce the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. As of July 18, CENTCOM has redirected 5 commercial vessels and disabled 1. pic.twitter.com/HHmXIE0MgC
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 18, 2026
The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) opposed
any restrictions on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in a
joint statement following their High-Level Forum on Regional Security and
Cooperation in Brussels. They said attacks targeting commercial shipping had
endangered civilians and seafarers and violated international law and UN
Security Council Resolution 2817.
Both sides pledged to continue coordinating efforts to
safeguard freedom of navigation and international maritime security, renewing
calls for restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy to ease regional tensions.
Meanwhile, the United States issued an urgent worldwide
security alert for citizens, warning of a potential escalation after
intelligence suggested Iran could target additional US interests abroad. The
advisory urged citizens worldwide to exercise heightened vigilance, review
their travel plans, and avoid large gatherings or locations associated with
Americans.
Worldwide Caution: Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. We remind Americans in the region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking… pic.twitter.com/A3LKEQSRiO
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) July 18, 2026
Earlier this week, the United States and Iran exchanged
strikes for a seventh consecutive night, with Tehran claiming attacks on US
military bases and facilities across the Gulf and in Jordan.
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