(SANTCOM): Change of course for 68 commercial ships since the start of the blockade on Iranian ports

Washington, Aug 21 (KUNA) -- The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that it had rerouted 68 commercial vessels since the commencement of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement, CENTCOM said that U.S. forces had rerouted 68 commercial vessels, halted three ships, and inspected two others to ensure full compliance with the sanctions imposed on Iran. 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 had confirmed on Thursday that the situation regarding Iran is “very good at present” following the suspension of Washington’s negotiations with Tehran. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated that the United States retains “complete” control over this vital waterway, noting that several commercial vessels had passed through Hormuz in the past two days. It is worth noting that U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade on ships bound for or coming from Iranian ports and coastal areas starting on 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.A.