US Navy says blockade of key shipping lane ‘fully enforced’
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said US warships have effectively blocked Iran’s trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
“The blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as US forces maintain sea control in the Middle East,” CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said in a statement Tuesday evening.
“In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, US forces have completely halted economic trade in and out of Iran by sea,” Cooper added.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing two unnamed US officials, previously reported that more than 20 commercial ships, including oil tankers, had passed through the channel in the past 24 hours. According to AFP, at least two US-sanctioned vessels passed through Hormuz on Monday: an Iranian-flagged container ship. There is and the Comoro-flagged tanker Elpis.
The WSJ also reported that the US has seized eight ships since the blockade began on Monday morning.
US President Donald Trump announced the closure of the vital waterway on Sunday after talks between Pakistan failed to produce a peace deal with Iran. Trump previously failed to rally European NATO members to help defend Hormuz, which Iran had closed “enemy ships” in response to the US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28. Since then Iran has demanded its recognition. “freedom” over waterways and the right to tax.
On April 8, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, raising hopes for an end to the conflict, which has disrupted global trade and driven up energy prices. However, both sides have been accused of imposing unacceptable conditions.
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