(SANTCOM): Change of course for 44 commercial vessels since the start of the blockade on Iranian ports

Washington, Aug 3 (KUNA) – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that it had diverted the course of 44 commercial vessels since the commencement of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement, CENTCOM said, “U.S. forces have, as of August 3, diverted the course of 44 commercial vessels, disrupted two vessels, and boarded two others to ensure full compliance with the sanctions imposed on Iran.” The statement affirmed that U.S. forces have been rigorously enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports since mid-July. CENTCOM had previously noted that U.S. forces had allowed approximately 30 vessels to pass through the blockade zone to deliver humanitarian aid. It is worth noting that U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade on ships bound for Iranian ports and coastal areas, or arriving from Iran, starting July 14, in response to attacks on commercial vessels and the obstruction of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. (End) A.M.M. / M.A.H.A.