CENTCOM: 62 ships rerouted since the start of the US blockade on Iranian ports

Washington, Aug 14 (KUNA) – The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that it had rerouted 62 commercial vessels since the commencement of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement, CENTCOM said that as of August 14, U.S. forces had rerouted 62 commercial ships, halted three vessels, and boarded two others to ensure full compliance with the sanctions imposed on Iran. CENTCOM had previously stated that it had allowed the passage of at least 35 ships through the blockade zone to deliver humanitarian aid since the imposition of the blockade on Iranian ports. The statement affirmed that U.S. forces have been strictly enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports since mid-July. U.S. President Donald Trump asserted two days ago that the naval blockade on Iran is an “iron wall” and that Iran has “no means” to counter it, amid significant economic pressure. It is worth noting that 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. / H.S.S.