U.S. Central Command Press Releases

U.S. Blockade of Iran Reaches Milestone of Redirecting 100 Ships

Press Operations — Sat, 23 May 2026 13:23:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces reached the milestone of redirecting more than 100 commercial vessels, May 23, while enforcing a maritime blockade against Iran.

U.S. Disables 2 More Vessels Violating Blockade in Gulf of Oman

Press Operations — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:29:34 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. forces disabled M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda, May 8, prior to both vessels entering an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman in violation of the ongoing U.S. blockade.

CENTCOM Protects U.S. Warships Transiting Strait of Hormuz

Press Operations — Thu, 07 May 2026 21:43:30 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. forces intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes as U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, May 7.

U.S. Forces Disable Vessel in Gulf of Oman Attempting to Violate Blockade

Press Operations — Wed, 06 May 2026 17:10:54 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. forces operating in the Gulf of Oman enforced blockade measures by disabling an Iranian-flagged unladen oil tanker attempting to sail toward an Iranian port at 9 a.m. ET, May 6.

U.S. Military Supports Launch of Project Freedom in Strait of Hormuz

Press Operations — Sun, 03 May 2026 23:26:00 GMT

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin supporting Project Freedom, May 4, to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Forces Disable Vessel Attempting to Enter Iranian Port, Violate Blockade

Press Operations — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Sea enforced naval blockade measures against an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, April 19.

U.S. to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports

Press Operations — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:35:05 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation.

U.S. Forces Start Mine Clearance Mission in Strait of Hormuz

Press Operations — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:51:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations.

U.S. Continues Strikes into Iran After Successful Rescue of F-15E Aircrew

Press Operations — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:10:24 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. — On April 4, U.S. forces successfully completed the rescues of two American service

CENTCOM Refutes Media Claims of U.S. Strikes in Lamerd, Iran

Press Operations — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:36:27 GMT

TAMPA, Fla.- U.S. Central Command Spokesperson U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins provided the following statement: Several media outlets recently reported accusations of U.S. forces striking a sports hall and residential area in the city of Lamerd, Iran, on Feb. 28. After looking into the reports, U.S. Central Command has confirmed the accusations are false.

Statement on Non-Combat Related Injury Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

Press Operations — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:24:59 GMT

A U.S. Navy Sailor was injured aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while the aircraft carrier was conducting flight operations in the Arabian Sea on March 25. The injury is not combat-related nor life threatening.

Statement on the KC-135 Incident

Press Operations — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 20:17:00 GMT

U.S. Central Command Spokesperson U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins provided the following statement: Out of respect for our Gold Star families, we ask for media outlets and journalists to exercise patience and abstain from publishing reports on fallen service members until the formal investigation and notification processes are completed.

All Crew Members of U.S. KC-135 Loss in Iraq Confirmed Deceased

Press Operations — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:24:56 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

Four Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq

Press Operations — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:45:14 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue.

Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq

Press Operations — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:36:51 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely.

Civilians Warned to Avoid Ports Used by Iranian Forces

Press Operations — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:01:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – On March 11, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is issuing a warning to civilians that the Iranian regime is using civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to conduct military operations that threaten international shipping. This dangerous action risks the lives of innocent people. Civilian ports used for military purposes lose protected status and become legitimate military targets under international law.

U.S. Forces Issue Safety Warning to Civilians in Iran

Press Operations — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:49:42 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is issuing a safety warning to civilians in Iran, March 8, as Iran’s terrorist regime blatantly disregards the safety of innocent people.

Bahrain, UK, U.S. Hold Virtual C-SIPA Defence Working Group Meeting

Press Operations — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:25:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – On March 5, representatives from the Kingdom of Bahrain, United Kingdom, and United States held a virtual meeting for the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) - Defence Working Group.

Secretary of War to Visit CENTCOM Headquarters

Press Operations — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:29:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – On Thursday, March 5, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will visit U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.

Three U.S. F-15s Involved in Friendly Fire Incident in Kuwait; Pilots Safe

Press Operations — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:58:01 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.