WANA (Jul 26) – The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has claimed that the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran remains fully in effect, adding that American forces continue to conduct monitoring and boarding operations in the region.

 

According to a CENTCOM statement, as of July 25, U.S. forces had redirected 12 commercial vessels that it said attempted to pass through the blockade. It also claimed to have disabled two vessels for failing to comply with the blockade and boarded two additional ships to ensure full enforcement.

 

CENTCOM further stated that U.S. forces earlier today completed a boarding and inspection of the Charminar, a Comoros-flagged oil tanker, in the Arabian Sea. The vessel was subsequently allowed to continue its voyage.

 

The statement did not provide further details regarding the legal basis for these actions or identify the other vessels involved.