CENTCOM: We diverted the course of 64 commercial vessels since the resumption of the naval blockade on Iran

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. forces have rerouted 64 commercial vessels, detained three, and inspected two others since the resumption of the naval blockade imposed on Iran.

In a post on the X platform, CENTCOM stated: “A U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter flies over the flight deck of the destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) as the ship enforces the U.S. ‘steel wall’ blockade against Iran. As of August 17, U.S. Central Command forces had rerouted 64 commercial vessels, detained three, and inspected two to ensure compliance.”

For his part, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that more than 30 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz last Saturday, adding, “We continue to transport oil and gas through the strait.” He went on to say, “Shipping data confirms that the U.S. military controls the Strait of Hormuz.” Wright added, “Our strategy is to impose a suffocating economic blockade on Iran. Its power will continue to wane,” noting that “resolving the Iran issue has caused short-term market disruptions.”