US says nine vessels turned back in 48 hours of Iran port blockade

Washington: The US military said Wednesday that it successfully stopped nine vessels from sailing out of Iranian ports during the first 48 hours of a naval blockade against the Islamic republic.

"Nine vessels have complied with direction from US forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area," US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for American troops in the Middle East, said in a post on X.

"No vessels have made it past US forces," CENTCOM said.


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However, maritime tracking data appeared to contradict the US assertion.

Tracking data from Tuesday indicated at least three ships sailing from Iranian ports crossed the Strait of Hormuz, though some vessels taking the route later turned back.

The three ships were among at least seven Iran-linked vessels that passed through the strait after Washington's blockade came into effect at 1400 GMT on Monday, according to maritime data provider Kpler.

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Tehran's forces effectively closed the strait after the start of the US-Israeli air campaign against the Islamic republic on February 28, and the US on Sunday announced its blockade of Iranian ports after peace talks failed.