US says 42nd vessel redirected from Iranian ports

The US said on Wednesday that the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports has been redirected, adding that 41 oil tankers carrying a combined 69 million barrels remain unable to access Iranian ports due to the ongoing US blockade.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement that the US forces recently redirected a 42nd commercial vessel “attempting to violate the blockade,” describing it as a “significant milestone.”

“Right now, there are 41 tankers with 69 million barrels of oil that the Iranian regime can’t sell. That’s an estimated $6 billion-plus from which Iran’s leadership cannot financially benefit,” he said.

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 the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz while deferring discussions over its nuclear program for later negotiations.