The Central Command of the United States (CENTCOM) communicated this Monday that U.S. forces have forced a total of 44 merchant ships to change their route as part of the naval blockade established over the ports and coastline of Iran. In addition, they have put two vessels out of service and have proceeded to board two others within the same operation.
According to details provided by CENTCOM on its social media profiles, this is the most recent figure of commercial ships that have tried to evade the maritime device. The command has also released an audio in which an American military personnel orders by radio the crew of a ship to alter its course before U.S. forces resort to the use of force to enforce the blockade.
This statement comes after the President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced on Monday afternoon a new round of talks with Iran, while Tehran has emphasized that all participants in the dialogue will remain on Iranian territory.
The talks, which generally do not take place directly between the parties, are being held in Muscat, the capital of Oman, a country that is also negotiating with Iran to reach an agreement that allows for the reopening under safe conditions and guarantees the protection of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.