The United States has intercepted 16 commercial vessels allegedly attempting to breach its naval blockade of Iranian ports, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade remains fully operational, with US naval forces redirecting, boarding, and disabling ships suspected of violating restrictions imposed on Iranian maritime trade.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said that by July 25 it had redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports, disabled two vessels that failed to comply with repeated warnings, and conducted verification boardings of two others.

One of the vessels boarded was the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar, which was inspected in the Arabian Sea before being cleared to continue its voyage.

CENTCOM also confirmed action against the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine, stating that US forces disabled the vessel in the Gulf of Oman after its crew allegedly ignored multiple warnings and repeatedly attempted to breach the blockade.

"The ship is no longer transiting to Iran," the military command said, describing the operation as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.

Maritime tensions intensify

The latest interceptions underscore the growing maritime confrontation between the United States and Iran, with the Gulf region remaining a critical flashpoint for global energy supplies and international shipping.

The US has maintained that the naval blockade is aimed at restricting Iran's strategic capabilities, while continuing to monitor commercial traffic in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

The operations come amid heightened military activity across West Asia, where concerns over a wider regional conflict continue to mount.

Trump pauses major escalation

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is reportedly reconsidering plans for a broader military campaign against Iran.

According to a report by The New York Times, senior administration officials have advised against expanding military operations due to concerns over the Pentagon's declining stockpile of Patriot missile interceptors and other critical air defence systems.

Officials familiar with internal discussions said the White House is also wary that a prolonged conflict could strain relations with key Gulf allies and further destabilise the region.

The report stated that Trump met senior national security officials on Friday to review military options, with discussions focusing heavily on America's available missile defence inventory.

Military leaders, including Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, reportedly warned that renewed large-scale combat operations could significantly reduce US defensive capabilities in the region.

Diplomatic option remains open

Despite maintaining military pressure through the naval blockade, the Trump administration continues to signal that diplomacy remains its preferred outcome.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the President continues to favour a negotiated settlement but retains all military options if Iran continues what the administration describes as hostile activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against US allies.

Recent fighting has continued despite diplomatic efforts, with hostilities involving Iran-backed groups and regional forces keeping tensions elevated across West Asia.

Analysts say Washington now appears to be balancing military deterrence with efforts to avoid a prolonged regional war that could have significant geopolitical and economic consequences.