WASHINGTON: The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday that American naval forces had directed 38 ships, many of them oil tankers, to turn around or return to port as part of an ongoing maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports.
According to CENTCOM, the blockade — in place since April 13 — applies to vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, including approaches linked to the Strait of Hormuz. US warships, aircraft and assets from a carrier strike group are enforcing the restrictions.
Officials said most vessels had complied with warnings without incident, while the restrictions were part of Washington’s broader “maximum pressure” campaign following a fragile ceasefire in the region.
Iran has described the blockade as a violation of the ceasefire and has reportedly carried out limited retaliatory measures, including the seizure of some vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, and the continued restrictions have added uncertainty to global energy markets. Analysts say maritime traffic has been disrupted significantly, with fewer calls at Iranian ports and delays in regional trade flows.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing in parallel, but Tehran has signalled that further talks would depend on the lifting of the blockade.
