Iran Sea Blockade: US Diverts 35 Merchant Vessels

Moscow (ANTARA) — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had forced 35 merchant vessels to change their shipping routes as part of a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

“As of Sunday (2/8), CENTCOM has rerouted 35 merchant vessels,” CENTCOM said on the X platform.

The US military has also disabled two vessels and boarded and searched two others.

On 18 June, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum to end the conflict that had been ongoing since 28 February. However, since 8 July, US forces have resumed a series of attacks on Iranian territory.

CENTCOM claims the attacks are a response to Iran’s actions against commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Subsequently, on 12 July, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until US interference in the region ends. The decision was taken following the continuation of tit-for-tat attacks between the two sides.

On 13 July, US President Donald Trump said the United States would act as the “guardian” of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also formally reinstated the US blockade on Iranian ports.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti