Washington, Apr 25 (V7N): The United States military has reportedly redirected 34 ships near the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate over maritime security and Iran-linked shipping routes, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, CENTCOM said that since the start of patrol operations in and around the strategic waterway on April 13, a total of 34 vessels have been forced to change their destinations. The move is described as part of efforts to restrict the movement of ships heading to or departing from Iranian ports.

Earlier, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that all vessels linked to Iran, including those traveling to or from Iranian destinations, were being turned back as part of enhanced maritime enforcement measures.

US President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, stating that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until a deal with Iran is reached. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he claimed that the United States now has full control over the strategic waterway.

Trump further asserted that no ship would be allowed to enter or exit the strait without authorization from the US Navy, adding that the passage has been effectively shut down until Iran agrees to a new agreement.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, has long been a focal point of geopolitical tension, and the latest developments have raised concerns over global energy security and maritime stability.

END/WD/AJ/