US Central Command says 30 ships cleared to pass Iran blockade

BAGHDAD, Iraq — US Central Command said on Saturday that 53 commercial vessels had altered their course since a naval blockade targeting Iran was imposed, and that two ships had been neutralized. The command added that about 30 ships carrying humanitarian cargo had been cleared to transit the blockade zone. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have entered a new phase after diplomatic talks stalled, mutual accusations escalated and military operations returned to the agenda. The dispute centers on the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf and on freedom of maritime navigation through it. Both sides have set out their own preconditions for any easing of the standoff, and diplomatic efforts have so far produced no result. The impasse has fueled further escalation in the region, with no immediate breakthrough reported.