US Claims Naval Blockade Has Fully Halted Iran’s Maritime Trade
Speaking on Tuesday, CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper stated that US forces had rapidly shut down commercial shipping linked to Iran shortly after the measure was introduced.
"In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea," Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement.
The announcement follows CENTCOM’s launch on Monday of a full maritime blockade affecting all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
The military command said the restrictions apply broadly to maritime traffic in and around the Gulf region and the Gulf of Oman, while emphasizing that the measures are being applied without discrimination.
According to its statement, the blockade is being "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations" entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
At the same time, CENTCOM stressed that the operation would not interfere with international shipping passing through key waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, as long as those vessels are not heading to or from Iran.
"CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports"
The blockade reportedly came after uncommon direct discussions between US and Iranian representatives held in Pakistan over the weekend, aimed at de-escalating the conflict that began on Feb. 28, although those talks ended without an agreement, according to reports.
CENTCOM added earlier on Tuesday that during the first 24 hours of enforcement, no vessels succeeded in passing through the blockade zone, while several merchant ships followed US instructions to turn back toward Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.
Separately, according to reports citing a US official, US naval forces intercepted multiple oil tankers attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports since the start of the operation.
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