The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that “no vessels passed US forces” during the first 48 hours of the US blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports.
“In addition, nine vessels complied with an instruction by US forces to turn around and return to an Iranian port or coastal area,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
However, maritime traffic tracking data appeared to contradict the US claim, AFP news agency reported.
It released photos and audio of its warships and operations in the area and said more than 10,000 personnel had been deployed in a blockade “against vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas”.
The data contradicts the US claim
Tracking data on Tuesday indicated that at least three ships sailing from Iranian ports had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, although some vessels that had taken that route later turned back.
The three ships were among at least seven vessels linked to Iran that sailed through the strait after Washington’s blockade took effect at 14:00 GMT on Monday, according to maritime data provider Kpler.
Tehran’s forces effectively closed the strait after the US-Israeli air campaign against the Islamic Republic began on February 28, and the US announced a blockade of Iranian ports on Sunday after peace talks broke down.
US Central Command said it had achieved “naval superiority” and that the blockade of Iran’s ports was “fully implemented” within 36 hours of its launch, according to a statement on social media late Monday.
Trump Says Iran War Is ‘Nearly Over’
US President Donald Trump said the war he started with Israel over Iran was almost over as the army chief of mediator Pakistan arrived in Tehran to try to prevent a renewed conflict.
The diplomatic pressure came as US and Iranian officials considered returning to Pakistan for further talks after talks there ended without a breakthrough on Sunday.
“I think you’re going to be looking at an amazing two days ahead,” Trump told ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl, according to the reporter’s post on X, adding that he didn’t think it would be necessary to extend the ceasefire.
“I think it’s close to the end, yes. I think I see it as very close to the end,” Trump said in an interview with the Fox Business Network that took place on Tuesday and aired on Wednesday. “We’ll see what happens. I think they want a deal very badly.”
(With input from agencies)
