(SANTCOM): 104 commercial vessels rerouted since the resumption of the blockade on Iranian ports

Washington, Sept 17 (KUNA) -- The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday that it had redirected 104 commercial vessels since the United States resumed its blockade of Iranian ports in mid-July. CENTCOM said in a statement that U.S. forces had so far altered the course of 104 commercial ships, halted three vessels, and inspected two others to ensure full compliance with the sanctions on Iran. The statement added that U.S. forces had allowed more than 50 ships to pass for humanitarian reasons, while reiterating that U.S. forces continue to tightly enforce the naval blockade on Iranian ports. 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 resumption of the blockade. Cooper stressed that the naval blockade on Iran remains “active and strong” and is achieving its objectives, emphasizing that no ship has entered or left an Iranian port without U.S. authorization, and that passage is limited solely to humanitarian cases. (End) A.M.M. / M.A.A.