US Navy blocks all ships in Hormuz Strait on first day of operation

US Military Confirms No Ships Passed Blockade in First 24 Hours

The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that no ships “made it past” the United States military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz during its first 24 hours. According to CENTCOM, six merchant ships followed orders to turn around and did not attempt to pass through the waterway.

The blockade, which was announced by US President Donald Trump after weekend talks with Iranian officials in Pakistan failed to yield an agreement on ending the war between the US and Israel, applies only to vessels “entering and exiting Iranian ports.” Other vessels are free to transit the waterway.

CENTCOM also stated that US forces are supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports. The operation involved over 10,000 US personnel, more than a dozen US warships, and dozens of aircraft.

Reports from Reuters and AFP news agencies cited shipping data showing at least three vessels transited the strait during the first 24 hours, including two tankers sanctioned by the US. However, CENTCOM disputed these reports, stating that no ships passed through the waterway.

The US-Iran talks, which resumed on Tuesday after a brief pause, are expected to continue for the next two days in Islamabad. Both sides have signaled their willingness to engage in further negotiations, with Iranian officials expressing openness to talks and US President Trump promising to “eliminate” any Iranian ships that attempt to break the blockade.

The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran have raised concerns about the potential for escalation, including the possibility of attacks on US vessels. The strategy has also had a significant impact on global oil markets.

Source: Al Jazeera