US resumes maritime blockade of Iran, launches fresh strikes on military targets

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces have resumed a maritime blockade of vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

“There are currently more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East. American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper claimed that Iran had deliberately targeted civilians across the region over the past week.

“Over the past seven days, Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing, or injured.

Iranian forces have also launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf countries. U.S. forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives,” Cooper said.

CENTCOM later announced the completion of another round of strikes against targets in Iran.

“U.S. fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels launched precision munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems during the seven-hour wave to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews.

The strikes took place the same day U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas,” the command said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada