Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
United States forces have ordered dozens of ships to reverse course or return to port as part of an ongoing naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, the US Central Command said on Thursday.
The military command reported that a total of 33 vessels had been redirected, an increase from earlier figures released the same day.
This development followed recent maritime operations, including the interception of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship earlier in the week and the boarding of another tanker in the Indian Ocean.
The blockade, launched on April 13, came after weeks of disruptions affecting shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials said the situation had significantly affected maritime traffic in one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors.
The tensions stemmed from the broader conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which began in late February.
The ongoing situation has unsettled global energy markets and raised concerns over potential long-term economic consequences.
A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan remains in effect, while further negotiations are expected as efforts continue to reach a more permanent resolution.
