(SANTCOM): Route change for 65 commercial vessels since the start of the blockade on Iranian ports

Washington, Aug 19 (KUNA) – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday that it had rerouted 65 commercial vessels since the commencement of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement, CENTCOM said that U.S. forces had so far rerouted 65 commercial ships, halted three, and inspected two 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.

Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the situation regarding Iran is “very good at the moment,” following the suspension of U.S.-Iran negotiations. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump affirmed that the United States maintains “complete” control over this vital waterway, noting that numerous commercial vessels had passed through Hormuz in the past two days.

U.S. forces had 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. / T.M.A.