Financial Wire

No Vessel Breaches US Naval Blockade in 1st 48 Hours, US Centcom Says

-- US Central Command said Wednesday that no vessels have passed through US naval forces during the first 48 hours of the blockade.

"During the first 48 hours of the US blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past US forces," Centcom said, in a post on X.

Nine vessels have complied with directions from US forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area so far, Centcom added.

US naval forces are actively maintaining a visible presence to ensure adherence to the blockade measures.

"US naval vessels are on patrol in the Gulf of Oman as CENTCOM continues to execute a U.S. blockade on ships entering and departing Iranian ports," according to Centcom.

The command said forces remain on high alert and prepared to enforce restrictions on ships attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports, with about 5,000 sailors and marines from the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group carrying out the enforcement of the US-imposed blockade.

The blockade follows a directive announced by President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Apr. 12, after failed US-Iran negotiations, that escalated maritime restrictions in the region.

In the post, Trump said, "Effective immediately, the United States Navy... will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz."

The blockade is aimed at pressuring Iran economically by restricting its ability to export oil, a key revenue source, in an effort to weaken the country's financial position.

Brent crude was trading at about $95.61 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was near $91.82, as the conflict entered its seventh week, underscoring persistent supply constraints.

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