Doha: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Tuesday that it had redirected 84 vessels, disabled 3 others, and boarded 2 vessels as part of efforts to enforce the US blockade against Iran. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to apply economic pressure on Iran through military measures and sanctions.

According to Qatar News Agency, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the US administration's economic pressure campaign against Iran as successful. He emphasized that the sanctions, bolstered by military strikes and a naval blockade, have reached unprecedented levels of effectiveness. These measures encompass a wide range of sectors, including digital assets, aviation, and shipping. Bessent also predicted that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil transportation, could lose its strategic significance within two years. This projection is based on the expectation that shipping companies will seek alternative transit routes due to the diminishing volume of trade with Iran.

CENTCOM had previously announced on Monday that its forces conducted 'a limited and precise action' targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces. These forces were reportedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, posing an imminent threat to maritime security. This action underscores the US commitment to maintaining stability in the region and safeguarding international shipping lanes.