USA tightens the siege on Iran: 62 ships forced to change course
CENTCOM announced that 62 merchant ships changed their route as part of the enforcement of the American siege on Iran, three ships were detained, and two others were searched. Simultaneously, Washington is preparing to replace the aircraft carrier in the region.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed today, Friday, new data on its maritime activity as part of the restoration of the American siege on Iran, reporting that dozens of merchant ships were forced to change their course, while other vessels were detained and searched.
According to CENTCOM, as of today, American forces have changed the route of 62 merchant ships to ensure they comply with the terms of the siege imposed on Iran. It was further stated that American forces detained three ships and boarded two additional vessels to conduct searches as part of the same operations.
US Central Command also released photos of night operations aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton while it was sailing in the Arabian Sea. The photos show a US Navy sailor directing an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter during night flight operations above the warship's deck.
The data released by CENTCOM reflects the scope of American activity to monitor ship traffic in waters near Iran, as Washington continues to use maritime pressure as part of its toolkit against Tehran. The US Secretary of Defense said yesterday that the United States will continue the siege on Iran "as long as it is necessary," thereby clarifying that at this stage there is no defined end date for the activity.
His remarks were made alongside reports that the United States is preparing to carry out an aircraft carrier rotation in the region. According to the Wall Street Journal, Washington is preparing to send the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East, which will take the place of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for more than 250 days.
The Lincoln began its planned deployment last November, but in January its route was changed and it was sent to the Middle East. Later, it participated in American military activity against Iran, and subsequently joined the forces participating in the maritime siege.
The command's documentation comes against the backdrop of reports that the United States has transferred a new proposal to Iran for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to regular commercial shipping without charging transit fees, in exchange for a gradual easing of economic and maritime pressure on Tehran.
According to a report by the Erem News website, Pakistan is currently working to convey the outline to the Iranians and examine whether it can be made the basis for a temporary arrangement. Furthermore, an Iranian official claimed to Reuters that there have been no recent contacts with the United States in an attempt to bring an end to the war and reach a permanent agreement. It was clarified that from Iran's perspective, there is no start date for a ceasefire, and therefore there is nothing that can be extended.
According to sources, the American proposal is based on a monthly mechanism. Iran will commit to allowing free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, without fees and without additional restrictions, and in return, the United States will lift the siege on Iran's coast for one month. The arrangement will be renewable each month. Simultaneously, Washington will release at each stage a portion of the Iranian funds frozen abroad, in an amount to be determined in negotiations, or will grant some relief in sanctions.
As recalled, the commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, participated earlier this week in the IDF command staff conference and reviewed for the officers the partnership between Israel and the USA during the war with Iran.
The conference, held at the Palmachim Air Force Base, was attended by all commanders of the IDF's maneuvering units from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The conference was attended by hundreds of battalion, squadron, missile ship, brigade, and division commanders, commanders of units in the Navy and Air Force, and the entire General Staff forum. The conference presented the moves of the war with Iran as well as what is happening in all combat theaters in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank.
