The United States has resumed its maritime blockade of vessels entering Iranian ports. This action follows additional airstrikes targeting Iran's coastal defense facilities and missile and drone bases, which occurred just one hour before the blockade began.
The U.S. Central Command announced that the blockade started at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on July 14 (5 a.m. July 15 Korean time), aimed at preventing ships from traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.
One hour prior to the blockade, at 3 p.m., the U.S. launched further airstrikes against Iran. Central Command described these strikes as measures to weaken Iran's military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The airstrikes reportedly targeted coastal defense facilities, missile and drone bases, and naval forces. The extent of the damage has not been confirmed.
This operation involved at least 19 ships, including two aircraft carriers, and hundreds of military aircraft. Additionally, landing ships carrying over 1,000 Marines were deployed.
The blockade does not apply to all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz but focuses primarily on those entering Iranian ports and coastal areas. This measure aims to disrupt Iran's oil exports and maritime logistics, thereby straining its financial resources.
Last month, the U.S. had suspended the maritime blockade after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran. However, following recent attacks by Iran on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. cited violations of the MOU as the reason for resuming airstrikes and the blockade.
Iran has also continued its retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. military facilities and allied nations in the Gulf region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.