Navy lifts blockade, will keep ships around the Strait of Hormuz
Source: Task & Purpose
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The Navy will keep its ships in the area around the Strait of Hormuz after lifting its blockade, U.S. Central Command said on Thursday, ending two months of a dual stoppage of the waterway.
“American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports,” CENTCOM said in its announcement. “All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased.”
The move comes after President Donald Trump signed an initial agreement to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz. However the many ships deployed to enforce the blockade — including several destroyers and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft – will “remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect.”
The direction from CENTCOM comes four days after Trump said that he authorized “the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade.” However the blockade remained in effect until the deal was formally signed by the president in Europe. The agreement, which starts a 60-day ceasefire to allow for formal talks to fully end the war, also ends sanctions on Iran, affirms that Iran will not make or procure nuclear weapons and unfreeze Iranian assets.
The continued presence of the Navy around the strait comes as the U.S. and Iran stopped combat but remain prepared for additional conflict. At the Group of Seven summit on Wednesday Trump warned that the U.S. could go back to bombing Iran if the new ceasefire and agreement breaks down.
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Iran had heavily restricted the traffic of ships through the strait early in the war, cutting off the flow of oil and other chemicals through the important waterway. On April 13, a few days after the first ceasefire was announced, CENTCOM said it was blockading Iranian ports, effectively shutting down the strait. That left many ships effectively stranded.
CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper said on Friday that more than 15,000 troops took part in or supported the blockade over that time period.
According to CENTCOM, the military redirected 142 commercial ships trying to get past the blockade, and disabled nine others. In those cases, the Navy fired deck guns or launching missiles from fighter jets into ships to stop them. Marines and other troops also boarded and seized some vessels that tried to break the blockade. On June 11, a strike on the M/T Settebello by the U.S. military killed three Indian sailors on the ship, the first fatalities from the enforcement of the blockade.
The post Navy lifts blockade, will keep ships around the Strait of Hormuz appeared first on Task & Purpose.
Classification
Region
West Asia
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Military Operations / Political-Military
Subcategory
Naval Engagement
SALUTE Report
Size
15,000 troops
Activity
U.S. Navy lifted blockade but maintains naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz
Location
Strait of Hormuz
Unit
U.S. Navy, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
Time
Thursday, following President Trump's agreement
Equipment
USS Abraham Lincolndestroyers
Summary
The U.S. Navy lifted its blockade around the Strait of Hormuz but continues to maintain a naval presence in the area to ensure compliance with a ceasefire agreement. This decision follows President Trump's signing of an agreement aimed at ending the war and includes provisions for Iran not to procure nuclear weapons. CENTCOM reported that over 15,000 troops were involved in the blockade enforcement prior to its lifting.
Key Facts
- U.S. Navy lifted blockade around the Strait of Hormuz.
- CENTCOM stated that American forces are not impeding vessel transit to Iranian ports.
- The Navy will maintain a presence in the area to ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
- The blockade enforcement involved over 15,000 troops and redirected 142 commercial ships.
- The agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire and ends sanctions on Iran.