US Navy detains 44 vessels linked to Iran as of today

Since the beginning of the blockade, the US Navy has detained 44 merchant ships leaving Iranian ports or bound for Iran, the US Central Command in the Middle East (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

"As of today, 44 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port," the statement said.

Meanwhile, as no tangible progress was made in the nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the situation escalated on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military airstrikes against Iran. In retaliation, Iran initiated missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. installations in the region, CE Report informs.

Following these developments, a two-week ceasefire agreement was brokered on April 7 through Pakistan's mediation. However, during subsequent talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad on April 11, no consensus was reached.

On April 21, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he extended the ceasefire until Iran submits its proposal and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.

The United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports on April 13. In response, Iran tightened restrictions on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on April 18.

Photo: CENTCOM / X