US Central Command says blockade of Iran continues, 86 ships rerouted

BAGHDAD, Iraq — US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the blockade against Iran remains in effect and that 86 commercial ships have rerouted since the operation resumed on July 14. In a statement, the command reported that as of September 2, three vessels had been neutralized and two others had been boarded to verify compliance with the blockade. CENTCOM said the United States is continuing to enforce the blockade strictly. According to command figures from the initial wave of the operation, 194 ships were rerouted and nine vessels were neutralized. The command added that Washington had pressured Iran's military and maritime activity around the Strait of Hormuz before restarting the blockade. The statement noted that the strait carries roughly one-fifth of global oil trade. CENTCOM said Washington reimposed the blockade and renewed sanctions after talks with Iran aimed at easing tensions failed to produce an agreement on reopening the strait and restoring normal transit.