CENTCOM: 104 Commercial Ships Rerouted Under Maritime Blockade on Iran

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday that it continues to enforce the maritime blockade on Iran, stating that 104 commercial vessels have been rerouted since the blockade was resumed on July 14 to ensure full compliance with the measures.

During the first round of the blockade in mid-June, the United States said it had redirected the routes of 194 vessels and disrupted the operations of nine others.

The development comes a day after US President Donald Trump said that the war with Iran, now entering its seventh month, was in its “final stages,” adding that Tehran was strongly seeking a deal.

Control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass, has emerged as a major point of contention in negotiations aimed at reducing tensions with Iran. As talks over an agreement to reopen the waterway have stalled, the Trump administration has renewed its economic pressure campaign, including sanctions and the maritime blockade.