US Forces Redirect 55 Commercial Vessels Since Resumption of Iran Maritime Blockade: CENTCOM
Dragon Media News Desk
US forces have redirected 55 commercial vessels since the maritime blockade of Iran resumed on July 14, the US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said.
According to CENTCOM, the figure covers operations carried out through August 9 to enforce compliance with the blockade.
“As of Aug. 9, CENTCOM has redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2 to ensure compliance,” the command said in a post on X.
The number of redirected vessels had stood at 51 a day earlier, indicating that four additional commercial ships were redirected in the latest period.
US forces resumed enforcement of the maritime blockade on July 14, targeting shipping movements connected with Iranian ports and coastal areas.
CENTCOM has said vessels complying with the blockade may be ordered to alter course, while ships that fail to comply could face additional enforcement measures.
The United States had previously enforced a maritime blockade against Iran from April to June before the operation was temporarily suspended and later resumed in July.
Tehran has opposed the US maritime blockade and called for its termination. The latest figures come amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States over maritime access, security in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and the broader regional security environment.
