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'Inaccurate reports': CENTCOM denies media allegations of ships breaking Hormuz blockade

From Jerusalem Post · (23h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • US Central Command (CENTCOM) has refuted media reports claiming commercial ships evaded the Strait of Hormuz blockade, labeling them as "inaccurate."
  • CENTCOM stated that 29 vessels have been directed to turn back or return to port as part of the blockade enforcement.
  • The command provided specific examples of ships, including M/V Hero II, M/V Hedy, and M/V Dorena, detailing their interception or redirection by US forces.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent media reports alleging that several commercial ships successfully circumvented the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Dismissing these claims as "inaccurate," CENTCOM has provided specific details to clarify the situation and reaffirm the effectiveness of its maritime interdiction operations in enforcing sanctions against Iran.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) denied media reports that claimed several commercial ships had evaded the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling the reports "inaccurate" in a post on X/Twitter on Wednesday.

— CENTCOMResponding to media allegations about ships evading the blockade.

The command emphasized that its forces have actively intercepted and redirected vessels attempting to violate the blockade. CENTCOM highlighted that 29 vessels in total have been ordered to turn around or return to port, underscoring the rigorous enforcement measures in place. Specific examples, such as the Iranian-flagged tankers M/V Hero II and M/V Hedy, were cited as being anchored in Chah Bahar, Iran, after being intercepted, directly contradicting reports of them 'ferrying millions of barrels of oil to the market.'

The US has directed 29 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the blockade, CENTCOM reported.

— CENTCOMQuantifying the number of vessels intercepted or redirected.

Furthermore, CENTCOM addressed the case of M/V Dorena, stating it has been under the escort of a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean following an attempt to breach the blockade. These clarifications serve to counter narratives that suggest a weakening of the US naval presence or a successful evasion of its control over critical maritime chokepoints. The US military's assertion of having "global reach" reinforces its commitment to enforcing its policies across strategic waterways.

Hero II and Hedy did not sail past the blockade as part of a flotilla that 'ferried' millions of barrels of oil to the market.

— CENTCOMSpecifically refuting claims about M/V Hero II and M/V Hedy.

This denial comes amidst broader geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and international oil markets. From the perspective of the Jerusalem Post, which often highlights Israeli security concerns and US-Middle East policy, these CENTCOM statements are crucial for maintaining a clear picture of the operational realities. The accurate reporting of these interdictions is vital for understanding the dynamics of the blockade and its impact on regional stability and global trade routes, particularly concerning Iran's ability to export oil.

In fact, the Iranian-flagged tankers are anchored in Chah Bahar, Iran, after being intercepted by US forces earlier this week.

— CENTCOMProviding the actual status of M/V Hero II and M/V Hedy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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