Washington: The US announced on Saturday that it has redirected 78 commercial vessels and disabled four others to enforce President Donald Trump's blockade on ships traveling to and from Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Anadolu Agency, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on the US social media company X that as of May 16, 78 commercial ships have been redirected, and four have been disabled to ensure compliance with the blockade. This move comes amidst ongoing regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, which led to retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and US allies in Gulf countries, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The tensions saw a temporary reprieve when a ceasefire, facilitated through Pakistani mediation, took effect on April 8. However, subsequent talks in Islamabad did not result in a sustainable agreement. President Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while continuing the blockade on vessels navigating to or from Iranian ports through this strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy chokepoint, linking the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and international markets. Disruptions in this area have raised concerns over global oil, fuel, and gas supplies since the onset of the conflict involving Iran.