U.S. redirects 100 commercial vessels in Iran port blockade

U.S. forces have redirected 100 commercial vessels as part of a six-week naval blockade of Iranian ports, U.S. Central Command announced Saturday. The mission, which began on April 13, targets all commercial shipping entering and exiting Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, in an effort to cut off trade and increase economic pressure on Iran.

More than 15,000 U.S. military personnel are supporting the operation, backed by over 200 aircraft and warships, including the Abraham Lincoln and George H.W. Bush carrier strike groups, the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, and multiple guided-missile destroyers, according to Central Command. The blockade has involved intercepting and redirecting vessels attempting to navigate restricted zones. U.S. forces have disabled four noncompliant vessels that refused to obey redirection orders, while 26 ships carrying humanitarian aid have been allowed to pass through a partial humanitarian corridor.

Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement that service members have executed the mission with precision and professionalism, allowing zero trade into and out of Iranian ports, which has squeezed Iran economically.