The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday that its forces redirected 83 commercial vessels, disabled three, and boarded two as of August 30 to ensure compliance with the maritime blockade imposed on Iran.
These actions come amid escalating US pressure on Iran, as Washington continues its naval campaign to prevent any flow of prohibited goods through international waters.
Washington is accelerating its efforts to cripple the Iranian economy by tightening financial sanctions and imposing strict export restrictions, in an attempt to break down Iran’s defenses.
Iran’s leaders have acknowledged the extent of the losses resulting from this pressure – while vowing to stand firm against it.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian revealed that exports and imports have declined by approximately 35 percent due to US sanctions and the naval blockade, and that annual inflation has risen to 66 percent.
Oman and Iran reach ‘understanding’
He also noted that Tehran and Muscat have reached an understanding regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz based on a “coordinated map” between the two parties.
Pezeshkian explained that the Iranian armed forces, including the Revolutionary Guard and security agencies, have prepared a detailed map of the ship passage routes and obtained the approval of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
The US Treasury Department announced that it has identified the networks, intermediaries, and channels used by Iran to smuggle oil and circumvent sanctions.
It confirmed that it will target Iran’s illicit revenue sources in cooperation with other US government agencies and Washington’s allies, and imposed sanctions on a Hong Kong-based entity and an individual linked to Iran’s Bank Melli.
The Iranian government vowed to stand firm against the US sanctions and what it described as “US-Israeli conspiracies.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
