US Central Command
US Central Command (CENTCOM) is the unified US military command responsible for military operations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Africa. During the 2026 Strait of Hormuz Crisis, CENTCOM was the primary operational authority for US military actions in the Gulf. CENTCOM declared the US Naval Blockade of Iranian ports on April 12, 2026, defining its scope as targeting vessels heading to or from Iranian ports (not the strait itself). CENTCOM also led underwater drone mine-clearing operations beginning April 11, deploying MQ-4C Triton drones as part of the effort to address the Naval Mines Crisis.
Connections
- US Naval Blockade — declared and operated by CENTCOM
- Naval Mines Crisis — CENTCOM led mine-clearing drone operations
- Iran IRGC — primary adversary in the Gulf theater
- 2026 Iran War — broader conflict CENTCOM is managing
- Operation Epic Fury — CENTCOM coordinated US strike participation