US Central Command says 51 ships redirected in Iran maritime blockade

BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said 51 commercial vessels have been redirected since the maritime blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas resumed on July 14. According to a statement posted on CENTCOM's social media account, forces have continued to inspect maritime traffic under the operation. CENTCOM said two ships were seized and two others were boarded to verify compliance with the blockade measures. The operations are being carried out in connection with navigational security in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. warships remain deployed in the region as part of the blockade mission, with personnel assigned to the vessels' navigation information centers, the command said. CENTCOM added that traffic redirection operations would continue.