US Central Command disabled the Iranian tanker M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman on July 24, 2026, after it attempted to run the US-led blockade at least four times, according to an Associated Press report. The military fired into the engine room after the crew did not comply with commands and warnings.
The M/T Lavine is the second commercial ship disabled by US forces since the reimposition of the blockade, which has severely restricted shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Capt. Tim Hawkins, US Central Command spokesman, confirmed the disabling and stated the crew was warned multiple times before military action was taken.
The incident highlights the ongoing enforcement actions in late July 2026. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted, with IMF Portwatch data showing a 7-day moving average of transit calls far below the 60-vessel threshold that would indicate a return to normal traffic levels.
The blockade enforcement continues as both the US and Iran signal potential escalations or de-escalations. The next milestone for assessing traffic recovery will be the publication of IMF Portwatch transit calls data, which will indicate whether the 60-vessel threshold is approached or reached.
