U.S. Central Command redirects two vessels in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Central Command said it redirected two commercial vessels attempting to run the naval blockade of Iran that restarted on Tuesday. The command posted on its official account that forces remain vigilant to ensure compliance with the restrictions.

The United States has expended half of at least four of its most critical munitions since operations against Iran began on February 28 and has incurred billions of dollars in weapons expenses, according to an analysis.

Background on the conflict Iranian officials have reported seven soldiers killed in U.S. attacks and are releasing the figures deliberately to maintain domestic support, a Georgetown University Qatar professor told Al Jazeera. The same professor noted Iranian attacks on shipping as part of an effort to shift the conflict toward economic pressure.

The Iranian economy faces high inflation, unemployment, and $270 billion in damages, the professor added. U.S. officials may pursue similar economic measures, the professor stated. A former UK Defence Ministry adviser told Al Jazeera that both sides are using strikes as part of negotiations and lack appetite for major war.

Hardline elements in Iran oppose economic relief offers, the adviser said.

Other developments Israeli attacks have killed at least 73,246 people in Gaza since October 7, 2023, Wafa news agency reported, citing medical sources. At least 173,727 people have been wounded. A British man held in Iran on espionage charges received an additional two-year sentence for speaking to media, his son told Al Jazeera.

The man and his wife were arrested in early 2025 during a motorcycle trip and sentenced to 10 years in February.