(SANTCOM): 96 commercial ships rerouted since the resumption of the blockade on Iranian ports

Washington, Sept 10 (KUNA) -- The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday that it had rerouted 96 commercial vessels since the resumption of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports in mid-July. CENTCOM said in a statement that U.S. forces had, up to the present, rerouted 96 commercial ships, halted three, and inspected two to ensure full compliance with the sanctions imposed on Iran. The statement added that U.S. forces had allowed the passage of at least 50 vessels on humanitarian grounds, while reiterating that the naval blockade on Iranian ports remained strictly enforced. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper had previously stated in a declaration that U.S. forces had not permitted Iran to export any oil from its shores since the blockade was resumed. Cooper emphasized that the naval blockade on Iran remained “active and strong” and was achieving its objectives, stressing that no ship had entered or left an Iranian port without U.S. military authorization and that passage was limited solely to humanitarian cases. (End) A.M.M. / M.M.J.