The United States Military Central Command (CENTCOM) had diverted 75 ships at the Strait of Hormuz by Friday (28 August), following Washington’s blockade decree against Iranian ports.
“The United States continues to enforce the blockade against Iran. As of August 27, CENTCOM forces have diverted 75 commercial vessels, disabled three, and boarded two to ensure compliance,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on social media.
In the wake of the naval blockade against Iran, Washington has intensified pressure on Tehran, declaring an “economic war” against the country following the expiry of a 60-day window that both nations had agreed upon to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict, which began with a joint US-Israeli offensive on 28 February.
On Thursday, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Tehran was already feeling the “devastating” sanctions announced by the United States. “Their economy, as we know, is in free fall. They are in a devastating situation,” she said, reiterating that inflation in Iran exceeds 100% and that the country is unable to pay the salaries of its police and military forces.
Iran announced the closure of the strait to shipping in mid-July, following the resumption of US airstrikes against the south of the country, while Washington responded by reimposing the blockade on Iranian vessels and ports.
This maritime route, through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil trade normally passes, is one of the critical flashpoints in the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has been ongoing since late February. US naval assets are positioned throughout the region, while Tehran has been conducting drone attacks against commercial shipping. Washington has stated that the strait is now clear of mines, a claim Tehran denies, characterising the announcement as a “propaganda strategy.”
The White House confirmed that Washington is not currently engaged in active negotiations with the Islamic Republic, and that this situation will remain unchanged until President Trump concludes that Iran has demonstrated a definitive willingness to negotiate. In recent days, Iran and Oman — located on the opposite side of the Strait of Hormuz — have been negotiating the opening of a temporary passage through the waterway.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez, has urged shipping companies to avoid transiting the Strait of Hormuz until safety conditions can be guaranteed.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/08/28/mundo-en/medio-oriente-bloqueio-dos-eua-no-estreito-de-ormuz-ja-desviou-75-navios/
