CENTCOM: No ships have breached the US blockade in the first 24 hours

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement regarding the blockade enforced in the Strait of Hormuz since 17:00 TSI yesterday.

CENTCOM stated, "More than 10,000 US sailors, marines, and air personnel, along with numerous warships and dozens of aircraft, are conducting a naval blockade operation to prevent entry and exit to Iranian ports.

No ships have breached the US blockade in the first 24 hours, and 6 merchant vessels complied with the US forces' order to turn back and headed toward Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman," it said.

Stating that the blockade in question is being applied indiscriminately to all ships of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastline, including all points in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, CENTCOM added, "US forces continue to ensure freedom of navigation for ships using the Strait of Hormuz to travel to ports outside of Iran."