Washington: The US announced that it has redirected 100 commercial vessels and disabled four others as part of President Donald Trump's blockade on ships navigating to and from Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Anadolu Agency, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on the US social media platform X that, over the past six weeks, more than 15,000 US military personnel, including Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen, have been involved in redirecting these vessels. In addition, 26 humanitarian aid ships have been allowed to pass through the blockade.

The blockade, which began on April 13, targets commercial ships entering and exiting Iranian ports. It is enforced against vessels of all nations accessing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

Participating in the blockade are over 200 US aircraft and warships, such as the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and multiple guided-missile destroyers, as detailed in the statement.

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, praised the efforts of US service members, stating, "Our service members are doing extraordinary work. They have been highly effective by executing the mission with precision and professionalism, allowing zero trade into and out of Iranian ports, which has squeezed Iran economically."

Tensions in the region have persisted since US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which led to retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, culminating in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Although a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect on April 8, attempts to secure a lasting agreement in Islamabad were unsuccessful. President Trump subsequently extended the truce indefinitely while upholding the blockade on vessels traversing the strategic waterway.

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