ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday that American forces have redirected 115 commercial vessels as part of an ongoing naval blockade targeting Iranian ports since mid-April.
“115 commercial vessels have been redirected to ensure no commerce enters or leaves Iranian ports,” CENTCOM posted on X.
The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following a wide-scale US-Israeli aerial campaign against Iran launched on February 28, resulting in over six weeks of conflict. A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire was reached on April 8.
“US forces continue to enforce the blockade against Iran,” CENTCOM said.
In parallel with the diplomatic efforts, Iran and the US have engaged in tit-for-tat maritime measures. Tehran has tightened its grip on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington has initiated a maritime blockade on Iranian ports since April 13. The US blockade has caused major disruptions to trade and contributed to shortages of raw materials across Iran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a press release on Thursday, stated, "The Treasury Department will continue to increase pressure on Iranian oil sales to deprive the Iranian regime and its military of the financial resources it needs to threaten U.S. allies and partners in the Middle East.
He added that the US Treasury won’t allow the Iranian government to increase its oil revenues.
The Islamabad-brokered truce temporarily halted fighting and opened the door to negotiations, though the first round of talks ended without a final agreement on April 11. A second round has yet to take place, and a comprehensive resolution remains elusive.