US Central Command Says 129 Vessels Diverted, 6 Disabled in Anti-Iran Operations

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The United States Central Command said Friday that its forces diverted 129 commercial vessels and disabled six ships since April 13 as part of an anti-Iran maritime operation in the Arabian Sea. CENTCOM said the USS Tripoli (LHA 7) assault ship supported the blockade operations in the Arabian Sea. American forces carried out the missions to ensure vessels' compliance with blockade rules, according to the statement. CENTCOM denied Iranian claims that its forces fired warning missiles at US warships in the Gulf of Oman, saying the reports were inaccurate. The command said it continues maritime operations in the region and remains committed to enforcing the Iran blockade. Iran's military had claimed its forces launched warning missiles that forced two US destroyers to withdraw from the area.