Strait of Hormuz [Reuters Yonhap News File Photo]

The US military announced on the 9th (local time) that it has rerouted 58 merchant ships and disabled 4 ships through a naval blockade targeting Iran.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US forces in the Middle East, stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on the same day, "As of today, since April 13th, we have rerouted 58 merchant ships and disabled 4 ships to prevent their entry and exit to Iranian ports."

The US, which reached a ceasefire with Iran on the 7th of last month, initiated a 'naval blockade against Iran' from the 13th of the same month, blocking the passage of vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters. This measure aims to pressure Iran's financial sources to secure a favorable position in the peace negotiations.

Previously, the US military announced yesterday that it had disabled two Iranian oil tankers attempting to break the naval blockade and enter Iranian ports.

On the 7th, clashes occurred in the Strait of Hormuz as the US and Iran exchanged attacks again, but both sides maintain that the ceasefire is still valid.

When asked whether he had received Iran's response to US demands, President Donald Trump said yesterday, "I will probably receive a letter (from Iran) tonight." However, it has not yet been confirmed whether Iran has actually conveyed its position.

Earlier, President Trump had stated that the peace agreement would include provisions for Iran to export its enriched uranium stockpiles to the US and halt operations at its underground nuclear facilities, but Iran's official stance has not yet been released.