The US Army prevented the passage of 139 ships in Hormuz since the beginning of the blockade
The US military confirmed that it has so far prevented the passage of 139 merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, fulfilling the closure of the zone perimeter decreed by US President Donald Trump.
"US forces continue to strictly enforce the blockade against Iran. In accordance with these rules, CENTCOM diverted 139 merchant ships and immobilized nine since April 13," the US Navy said on its social media. Tension in the Strait of Hormuz remains high, despite the indefinite ceasefire.
Trump announced this Thursday the suspension of planned attacks against Iran, indicating that after "high-level talks" with Iranian officials, all parties approved the "final points" of an agreement to end the war started by the Israeli-American offensive against Iran more than three months ago.
Iran only clarified that "as soon as the competent authorities" reach a conclusion on the negotiations, they will make an announcement, within the framework of ongoing talks mediated by Pakistan, after the ceasefire reached on April 8, marked by recent exchanges of attacks.
The US and Israel launched a military attack on Iran on February 28, which they justified by the Islamic Republic's inflexibility in negotiations to end uranium enrichment under its nuclear program, which it claims is for civilian purposes only.
In retaliation for the offensive, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, shaking the world economy, and launched attacks against targets in Israel, US bases, and civilian infrastructure in regional countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, and Iraq.
Pakistan positioned itself as a key mediator in the conflict that spread to the Middle East, successfully negotiating a two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington on April 8, which was later extended several times by Trump.
The goal was to continue indirect talks to achieve the lifting of international sanctions against Iran and the withdrawal of US troops from the region in exchange for an Iranian commitment not to produce nuclear weapons and to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
For now, Tehran maintains the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's crude oil passes, and Washington, in turn, prevents the passage of ships originating from or destined for Iranian ports.
