US Reroutes 94 Ships in Iran Blockade

(MENAFN) American forces have intercepted and redirected 90 commercial vessels while disabling four others as part of Washington's ongoing naval blockade barring ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon disclosed Tuesday.

"As of May 20, US forces have redirected 90 ships and disabled 4 to ensure compliance," US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced via the social media platform X.

The enforcement operation follows months of escalating hostilities that erupted after the United States and Israel conducted coordinated strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded with retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and Washington's Gulf allies, while simultaneously shutting down the Strait of Hormuz — a move that sent shockwaves through global energy markets.

Pakistani diplomats brokered a ceasefire that took hold on April 8, though subsequent negotiations in Islamabad collapsed without producing a durable settlement. President Donald Trump subsequently extended the truce for an indefinite period, opting to keep the naval blockade firmly in place.

The waterway at the center of the standoff handles a substantial share of the world's seaborne energy trade, serving as the primary corridor connecting Gulf producers to international buyers. Its prolonged disruption has stoked widespread anxiety over tightening supplies of crude oil, refined fuel, and natural gas worldwide.

MENAFN20052026000045017169ID1111144337