US forces board ship to ensure 'compliance' with Iran blockade

American forces boarded a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday as part of a renewed blockade targeting Iran's ports. The operation, conducted by US Marines, aimed to ensure "full compliance with the ongoing US naval blockade," according to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The boarding occurred a day after a US aircraft fired upon and disabled an unladen oil tanker that attempted to circumvent the blockade. CENTCOM also reported redirecting three commercial vessels that tried to run the blockade since it took effect on Tuesday. These actions underscore the US military's commitment to enforcing maritime restrictions on Iran.

This recent enforcement action is part of a broader pattern of US naval operations in the region. CENTCOM noted that US forces previously maintained a blockade of Iranian ports from April 13 to June 18. During that earlier period, they disabled nine ships and redirected over 140 vessels attempting to breach the blockade, indicating a sustained effort to control maritime traffic related to Iran.

“

to ensure full compliance with the ongoing US naval blockade