TAMPA, FLORIDA Aug 2, 2026 — U.S. Central Command released video on Sunday showing a Marine Corps F-35C stealth fighter jet launching from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea in support of the ongoing U.S. naval blockade against Iran.
In the accompanying statement posted on X, CENTCOM reported that as of August 2, its forces had redirected 35 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two others as part of the enforcement operation.
The roughly 16-second video captures the F-35C accelerating down the flight deck and lifting off, underscoring the continued presence of U.S. carrier-based air power in the region. The Lincoln, a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class carrier, is operating with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (the “Black Knights”) embarked as part of its air wing.
The blockade, which restricts maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas while aiming to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to non-Iranian shipping, was reimposed on July 14 after a brief suspension. It had originally been in effect from April 13 to June 18 before being lifted following a short-lived memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
CENTCOM has not released further details on the specific vessels involved in the latest interdictions or the circumstances of the boardings and disablements. The command continues to advise commercial mariners to monitor notices and maintain contact with U.S. naval forces when operating in the approaches to the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz.
The latest update comes amid sustained U.S. military activity in the Middle East, with the Abraham Lincoln and other warships supporting enforcement efforts that have previously redirected more than 140 vessels during the initial phase of the blockade.
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