Berk Kutay Gökmen
09 May 2026 &#cent; Updated: 09 May 2026
AA / Istanbul / Berk Kutay Gokmen
The United States declared on Saturday that 58 commercial vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports have been diverted as part of an American naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic.
“The American naval blockade against Iran continues to be fully enforced,” said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement released on the American platform X.
<p"To date, CENTCOM forces have diverted 58 commercial ships and disabled 4 since April 13 to prevent these ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports," the statement added.
Regional tensions have escalated significantly since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting Iranian retaliations against Israel and American allies in the Gulf, as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire went into effect on April 8 thanks to Pakistani mediation, although negotiations in Islamabad did not result in a permanent agreement. President Donald Trump then announced an extension of the truce without setting a deadline.
The United States has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strait since April 13.
*Translated from English by Ayse Bashoruz
