U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on the 23rd (local time) that the ongoing military blockade of Iranian ports has "reached a significant milestone of rerouting 100 merchant vessels."

CENTCOM stated, "Over the past six weeks, more than 15,000 Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force personnel have rerouted 100 vessels, neutralized four, and enabled passage for 26 humanitarian aid ships."

This blockade measure took effect on April 13th. In a statement, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said, "Our service members are performing admirably," and "They are executing their mission with precision and professionalism, applying significant pressure on the Iranian economy by shutting down all trade in Iranian ports."

CENTCOM also added, "Over 200 aircraft and warships are supporting this operation, including the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group/31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and numerous guided-missile destroyers."

It also stated, "This blockade is being enforced on all national vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman."

U.S. NNP=Hong Seong-gu Chief Editor / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com