[Regnum] Since the beginning of the naval blockade of Iran, the US military has intercepted over 60 merchant vessels heading to or departing from Iranian ports. This was announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on May 10.
The command noted that more than 20 US ships are conducting a blockade against Iran.
"U.S. Central Command forces have rerouted 61 merchant vessels and disabled four to ensure the blockade is maintained," the U.S. military said in a statement on social media.
On February 28, Israel and the United States launched military operations against Iran. Tehran responded with strikes against American and Israeli targets in the Middle East. On April 8, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement on a two-week ceasefire and the start of dialogue. Following the first round of talks, Iranian and US representatives failed to reach an agreement. The Iranian side refused to participate in the second round of consultations.
In response to attacks by the US and Israel, Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a sharp rise in oil and gas prices. On April 11, US ships began blockading the strait, targeting all vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports. Iran subsequently revoked passage for merchant ships and reimposed military control of the strait.
Both sides regularly report successful attacks on each other's ships. The British newspaper The Financial Times noted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' "mosquito fleet," consisting of hundreds of speedboats, allows Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 8, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, commenting on the new clashes between the armies of the two countries, said that the United States chooses a reckless military adventure whenever a diplomatic solution to the conflict is on the table.
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