WASHINGTON, May 27: The US military said Tuesday that its naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, and entities linked to the Islamic regime as of now has managed to redirect 108 commercial ships since operations began on April 13.
In an update, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the blockade remains active, even as diplomatic efforts continue between Washington and Iran with a ceasefire announced earlier this year by President Donald Trump.
The maritime operation was launched less than a week after Trump declared a truce with Tehran, though both sides have since accused each other of violating the agreement.
Iran has repeatedly condemned the US naval campaign as illegal and in breach of the ceasefire, while responding with restrictions of its own in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Post the start of the war, Iran has been insisting that all commercial vessels headed for the strait seek authorisation from Iranian military authorities beforehand.
Iranian officials claim dozens of ships have coordinated passage with the IRGC in recent days, though independent verification has proven difficult as many vessels operating in the area have limited or obscured tracking data.
Iranian officials have denied accusations that they are imposing tolls on shipping traffic. However, Tehran says it is working with neighbouring Oman to establish a new maritime coordination system covering navigation, environmental protection and security in the strait.
According to Iranian officials, the proposed mechanism would involve operational costs for vessels using the route, something which Washington has strongly opposed.
(UNI)
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