Washington (EFE).- Since the naval blockade of Iran’s coasts began, the United States Navy has prevented some 27 ships from navigating, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Washington maintains the blockade amid ongoing negotiations for a peace agreement with Tehran.
«Since the commencement of the blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, US forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port,» CENTCOM stated.
The social media post included a video in which a US soldier warns a vessel via radio that it is entering a military blockade zone applicable to all ships, regardless of their flag.
US President Donald Trump ordered the total blockade of the Islamic Republic’s coasts after the initial round of negotiations in Islamabad ended without results, and Tehran interrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 20% of the world’s crude oil passes through this strategic route.
As of Sunday, Trump announced that the US Navy had seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that attempted to cross the naval blockade. As a result, the ship was brought to a dead stop after being shot in the hull, which opened a hole in the engine room.
“Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
According to CENTCOM figures, over 10,000 US military personnel, 12 ships, and 100 aircraft patrol the waters near Iran to ensure no vessel enters or leaves Iranian ports.
Trump has maintained the naval blockade on Iran, even after Tehran announced last week that it would reopen the passage in response to the US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
However, on Monday, Tehran reported that it would close the passage again due to the siege imposed by Washington.
The day before, the US head of state accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by deciding to shoot at a French vessel and a British freighter in the strait. He renewed his threats to destroy bridges and power plants if an agreement was not reached.
As of Sunday, the US president confirmed on Truth that his envoys would return to Pakistan for a second round of talks before the Wednesday ceasefire deadline. EFE
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