WASHINGTON, United States (US): The US have allegedly redirected 70 commercial ships as part of efforts to enforce the naval blockade of Iranian ports, Sputnik/RIA NOVOSTI reported, citing the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday.
“As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 70 commercial vessels and disabled four to ensure compliance [with the US blockade against Iran],” the command wrote on X.
CENTCOM also said that US forces allowed 15 ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass through.
On April 13, the US Navy began blockading all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington maintains non-Iranian vessels are free to sail through the waterway as long as they do not pay Tehran a toll.
Iranian authorities have not announced the imposition of a toll, but have discussed such plans.
On May 3, US President Donald Trump announced ‘Project Freedom’ to assist ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz and seeking to leave it.
Two days later, Trump paused the operations to see whether a peace deal with Iran can be achieved. – BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
