In a statement published on the X social media platform, CENTCOM emphasized that the blockade effectively prevented any ship movement between Iran's ports and the rest of the world.
“During the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports, no ships passed beyond the U.S. military line. Moreover, nine ships complied with U.S. military orders to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coast” – it was written in the statement.
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, in an interview Tuesday night said the blockade allowed “complete cessation of trade to and from Iran by sea“.He pointed out that according to estimates, as much as 90 percent Iran's economy is based on the exchange of goods by sea.
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In turn, the Wall Street Journal reported that over the last 24 hours, over 20 merchant ships passed through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, the American blockade does not cover vessels sailing from the Persian Gulf that have no ties to Iran.
