CENTCOM: 14 Ships Turn Back After 72 Hours of US Blockade in Iran

Washington (ANTARA) - The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Thursday that 14 ships have been reported to have changed course as a form of compliance with the ongoing US naval blockade in Iranian waters.

US forces remain focused, alert, and highly motivated in executing the blockade against ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. After 72 hours of the blockade, 14 ships have turned back to comply with the blocking directed by American forces,” CENTCOM said via the X platform.

Previously, US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stated that instead of blockading the Strait of Hormuz, the US Navy is focusing on enforcing the coastal and port blockade of Iran.

Caine said the US Navy’s actions would cover the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran and international waters in other areas of responsibility, such as the Pacific Ocean.

Ships operating under the US Indo-Pacific Command, Caine continued, will pursue Iranian-flagged vessels or any ships attempting to provide material support to Iran, including dark fleet ships carrying Iranian oil.

At the end of February, the US and Israel launched joint strikes against targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

Then, over the past weekend on Saturday (11/4), Iran and the US held talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, after President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Iran for a two-week ceasefire.

However, the following day, Sunday (12/4), US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that Iran and the US failed to reach an agreement during the negotiations. Trump then announced a blockade of all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti