US blockade redirects 67 vessels from Iranian ports: CENTCOM

US Central Command said Wednesday that 67 commercial vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports have been redirected under an American naval blockade imposed four weeks ago against ships targeting Iranian maritime traffic. The military command noted on social media platform X that American forces have allowed 15 vessels carrying humanitarian aid to pass while disabling four others to ensure compliance with the restrictions.

Enforcement measures

Earlier this week, CENTCOM forces fired warning shots from small arms at two commercial vessels after radio communication failed to produce compliance, prompting both ships to turn around. The military said the incident demonstrated that "U.S. enforcement remains in full effect" regarding the blockade, which Washington has maintained against Iran since April 13 despite a ceasefire taking effect on April 8.

Regional conflict

The naval blockade forms part of broader military pressure against Iran following US and Israeli strikes on February 28. Those attacks triggered Iranian retaliation against Israel and American allies in the Gulf, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and heightened tensions throughout the region.

A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation took effect last month, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to secure a permanent agreement, and US President Donald Trump later announced the truce would remain in place indefinitely. Last Friday, CENTCOM reported preventing 70 tankers from entering or leaving Iranian ports, vessels capable of carrying more than 166 million barrels of oil worth over $13 billion.