(SANTCOM): 110 commercial ships rerouted since the resumption of the blockade on Iranian ports

Washington, Sept. 21 (KUNA) – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that it had redirected 110 commercial vessels since the resumption of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports in mid-July. CENTCOM said in a statement that, as of September 21, U.S. forces had altered the course of 110 commercial ships, halted three vessels, and inspected two others to ensure full compliance with the sanctions imposed on Iran. It added that its forces had allowed more than 50 ships to pass for humanitarian reasons, while reaffirming that U.S. forces continue to tightly enforce the naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Earlier, on Saturday, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated in an operational update that U.S. forces had helped ensure the safe passage of more than one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz over the past two months. He added that while U.S. forces continue to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe,” they are simultaneously preventing Iran from exporting any oil shipments from its ports, emphasizing that the naval blockade on Iran remains “active and strong” and is achieving its objectives. (End) A.M.M. / M.M.J.