US commanders say no ships have passed naval blockade of Iranian ports
The United States Central Command says no ships have passed through the US Navy's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the first day of the operation.
"Six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around and re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman," the Central Command (CENTCOM) said in an X post.
The blockade is intended to pressure Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil, mostly to Asia, since the war began on February 28. Much of it has likely been carried by so-called dark transits that evade sanctions and oversight, providing cash flow that's been vital to keeping Iran running.
LIVE UPDATES: US talks with Iran could resume this week
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, shown here in a file photo, is one warship deployed in the blockade. US Navy via AP, File
American commanders have deployed 100,000 sailors, marines, and air crew along with more than a dozen warships and aircraft to halt ships entering and departing Iranian ports. They include the aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln.
CENTCOM says the the blockade is being enforced "impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman".
US forces are also supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.
Tankers approaching the strait on Monday turned around shortly after the blockade took effect, though one reversed course again and transited the waterway.
READ MORE: Here's what the war is doing to the global economy
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Chinese tankers will not be allowed passage through the strait. "So they're not going to be able to get their oil," he told reporters Tuesday on the sidelines of IMF-World Bank meetings.
China has slammed the US blockade as "dangerous and irresponsible".
"With the temporary ceasefire agreement still in place, the US ramped up military deployment and resorted to a targeted blockade," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in a post on X.
"This will only aggravate confrontation, escalate tension, undermine the already fragile ceasefire and further jeopardize safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. It is a dangerous and irresponsible move.
The US Treasury also plant to resume sanctions on Iranian oil.
The US government lifted those sanctions - while waging war on the country - in order to put more oil in the global market after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
But now, the US Treasury says it is putting "maximum pressure on Iran" with "economic fury".
- With Associated Press
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