The US military announced on Wednesday that it has intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, preventing it from exiting the Strait of Hormuz and forcing it to return to Iranian territorial waters.
In an official statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the vessel attempted to circumvent the ongoing naval blockade after departing from the port of Bandar Abbas.
The ship was traveling along the Iranian coastline toward the strategic strait when the interception occurred.
According to the report, a US Navy guided-missile destroyer intervened directly, compelling the vessel to alter its course and retreat to its point of origin.
CENTCOM noted that this latest encounter brings the total number of intercepted vessels to ten since the naval blockade was implemented.
Officials emphasized that no ships have successfully breached the US-led blockade since its enforcement began this past Monday.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
