The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday (May 23) that the U.S. military’s sea blockade against Iran has reached a “milestone,” successfully forcing 100 commercial ships to change their routes.
According to CENTCOM’s statement on the social media platform X, the U.S. military began enforcing the blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports on April 13, in accordance with a presidential proclamation. Over the past six weeks, more than 15,000 Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force personnel have compelled 100 ships to alter their course, with four vessels that did not comply with the blockade being “disabled” and allowing 26 humanitarian aid ships to pass through.
This blockade targets all ships entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
“Our servicemen have performed exceptionally well,” said Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM. “They have efficiently carried out this mission with precision and professionalism, effectively reducing trade to and from Iranian ports to zero, dealing a severe blow to the Iranian economy.”
CENTCOM stated in another release that the maritime blockade against Iran is still being fully implemented, with operations covering both the Middle East region and beyond.
According to CENTCOM, over 200 U.S. aircraft and more than 20 U.S. warships are supporting this mission, including the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group/31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and multiple missile destroyers.