Enforcing blockade, US says it redirected 44th vessel from Iranian ports

The US said on Thursday that the 44th commercial vessel attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports had been redirected under its blockade.

“As of today, 44 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port,” CENTCOM said on US social media company X.

It added that Marines aboard the USS New Orleans are on patrol in the Arabian Sea as part of operations to enforce the naval blockade against Iran.

The updated figure showed an increase of two compared to the 42 vessels reported on Wednesday as having been redirected.

Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, in response to Iran’s restrictions on vessel passage through the waterway.

Iran is reported to have proposed reopening the strait while deferring discussions over its nuclear program for later negotiations.