US says 100 vessels redirected under Iran port blockade in Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON — The United States said on Saturday that it has redirected 100 commercial vessels and disabled four others as part of President Donald Trump’s blockade targeting ships traveling to and from Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz.In a statement posted on X, US Central Command said more than 15,000 American military personnel had participated in operations over the past six weeks.“Over the past six weeks, more than 15,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen have redirected 100 vessels, disabled four, and allowed 26 humanitarian aid ships to pass,” the command said.US forces began enforcing the blockade on April 13 against commercial vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.CENTCOM said the measures apply to ships “of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas,” including ports located along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.The operation involves more than 200 US aircraft and naval vessels, including the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, the USS George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, the USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, alongside multiple guided-missile destroyers.CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the operation had effectively halted trade involving Iranian ports.“Our service members are doing extraordinary work,” Cooper said. “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.”Regional tensions have remained elevated since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting attacks by Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf region, as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation took effect on April 8, though negotiations later held in Islamabad failed to produce a permanent agreement.President Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining the maritime blockade targeting Iranian-linked shipping through the strategic waterway.