U.S. Central Command Reports Initial Success in Iranian Shipping Blockade, Impacting Strait of Hormuz Traffic
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that no Iran-linked shipping traffic successfully breached its blockade during the first 24 hours of enforcement. The blockade, which targets vessels heading to or from Iranian ports, is being enforced by more than a dozen warships, aircraft, and over 10,000 Marines and sailors. Despite attempts by at least three Iran-linked tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, none made it past the northern end of the Gulf of Oman. The China-linked tanker Rich Starry turned around before reaching the enforcement zone, while two others anchored near Jask. Additionally, six Iran-linked vessels complied with U.S. directions to return to Iranian ports. The blockade aims to maintain freedom of navigation for non-Iranian vessels, which continue to transit the strait in limited numbers. 
