The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that so far 78 merchant ships have been diverted and 4 others have been disabled, as part of the implementation of the blockade against ships traveling to and from Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement published on the X social network, CENTCOM said: “Since May 16, 78 merchant vessels have been redirected and 4 have been disabled to ensure compliance”.

Tensions in the region have remained high since February 28, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting retaliation from Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Persian Gulf, and leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire came into force on April 8 brokered by Pakistan, but talks in Islamabad did not produce a stable agreement. US President Donald Trump then extended the ceasefire for an indefinite period and imposed restrictions on navigation to Iranian ports.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategic points of global energy trade, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean and international markets, while any interruption in this area has a direct impact on oil and gas supplies globally.

Source: prizrenpost