(SANTCOM) announces change of course for 59 commercial vessels since the start of the blockade on Iranian ports

Washington, August 12 (KUNA) – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday that it had rerouted 59 commercial vessels since the commencement of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement, CENTCOM said that U.S. forces had, as of August 12, rerouted 59 commercial ships, halted three vessels, and boarded two others to ensure full compliance with the sanctions imposed on Iran. CENTCOM had previously stated that since the start of the blockade, it had permitted approximately 35 ships to pass through the restricted zone to deliver humanitarian aid. The statement affirmed that U.S. forces have been rigorously enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports since mid-July. Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that the naval blockade on Iran is an “iron wall” and that Tehran has “no means” to counter it, amid significant economic pressure. Notably, U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade on ships bound for Iranian ports and coastal areas, or departing from them, starting July 14, in response to attacks on commercial vessels and the obstruction of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. (End) A.M.M./R.J.