The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reiterated this Saturday that the naval blockade established against Iran in the Gulf of Oman remains "in full effect," as part of an operation in which U.S. forces have intercepted or diverted at least 16 merchant ships so far to prevent maritime traffic destined for the Islamic Republic.
In a statement, CENTCOM specified that its units have already redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to circumvent the maritime blockade. Additionally, they have carried out the boarding of two other ships to verify their activities and have "deactivated" two vessels for failing to comply with the instructions of the international device.
Among the most recent actions, the command indicated that this same Saturday its forces conducted a "verification boarding" of the tanker M/T Charminar, flying the Comoros flag, in the waters of the Arabian Sea. After confirming that it was complying with the imposed measures, the ship was given the green light to continue with its planned itinerary.
In contrast, on July 24, U.S. forces "deactivated" the M/T Lavine, a tanker flying the Mozambique flag, while it was sailing in the Gulf of Oman.
(The military action occurred) "after the crew attempted to violate the blockade several times and ignored repeated warnings. The ship is no longer heading to Iran," military authorities explained.
The U.S. operational command has insisted that its deployed forces in the area remain "highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and prepared" to ensure the strict enforcement of the naval blockade against Iran.