The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces have redirected 130 commercial vessels in the Middle East while enforcing the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran.
CENTCOM said the 130th commercial vessel was redirected on October 5. The command said the blockade was resumed on July 14 against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
CENTCOM says 130 commercial vessels have been redirected.
The 130th vessel was redirected on October 5.
The blockade resumed on July 14, according to CENTCOM.
Three vessels were disabled after allegedly refusing to comply.
CENTCOM says 13 commercial vessels were destroyed over the past 12 weeks.
The US military has also disabled three vessels that, according to CENTCOM, refused to comply with its instructions.
CENTCOM further said that over the past 12 weeks, US forces had destroyed 13 commercial vessels that it said were either violating the blockade or were part of what it described as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' multibillion-dollar shadow network.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said the US military remained focused on enforcing the blockade and would act against vessels attempting to run it.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The US blockade is directly affecting commercial maritime traffic involving Iranian ports and adds to continuing security risks for shipping in the region.
