BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) says American forces have redirected 18 commercial vessels as part of the United States' ongoing maritime blockade targeting Iran.
In a statement, CENTCOM said US forces have also disabled two vessels and boarded two others to verify their compliance with the blockade measures.
According to the command, more than 20 US warships are currently deployed across the Middle East to enforce what Washington has described as a "steel wall" around Iranian waters.
The United States says the operation is intended to enforce maritime restrictions and maintain security in the region.
Iran has not immediately commented on CENTCOM's latest statement.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and continued international concern over freedom of navigation in the region.
