14 Ships Change Course to Avoid US Blockade

ILLUSTRATION/PHOTO via WIkimedia Commons

JAKARTA - The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said 14 ships were reported to have changed course as a form of compliance with the ongoing US naval blockade in Iranian waters.

"US forces are focused, alert, and highly motivated when carrying out a blockade on ships trying to enter or leave Iranian ports. After 72 hours of blockade, 14 ships have turned around to comply with the blockade at the direction of American forces," CENTCOM said via the X platform, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Thursday, April 23.

Previously, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said that instead of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, the US Navy focused on enforcing the blockade of Iran's coastal lines and ports.

Caine said the US Navy's action would cover the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran and international waters in other areas of responsibility, such as the Pacific Ocean.

Ships operating under the US Indo-Pacific Command, Caine continued, will pursue Iranian-flagged vessels or any vessel that tries to provide material support to Iran, including dark fleet vessels with Iranian oil cargoes.

At the end of February, the US and Israel launched a joint attack on targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran also retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and American military facilities in the Middle East.

Then, last weekend, Saturday (11/4), Iran and the US held talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, after President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Iran for a two-week ceasefire.

However, a day later, Sunday (12/4), US Vice President J. D. Vance said Iran and the US failed to reach an agreement during negotiations. Trump then announced a blockade on all ships entering and leaving Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti