CENTCOM says 18 commercial vessels rerouted since start of Iran maritime blockade

TEHRAN, Iran — The U.S. Central Command said 18 commercial vessels have been rerouted since the maritime blockade against Iran resumed, with two ships disabled and another two searched and inspected. CENTCOM announced the figures in a post on X, adding that more than 20 of its ships are operating in the Middle East to support military operations and enforce the blockade. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to strike Iran, including Mount Bish-Akh and bridges and other civilian targets, if no deal is reached with Tehran. In the same remarks, Trump said progress was being made in negotiations between the United States and Iran. The president said his decision a day earlier to "freeze" strikes on Iran came at the request of mediating countries that wanted to give negotiations a chance. No further details on the status of the talks or the blockade were immediately available.