The US has deployed over 20 warships to West asia to support its military missions, including strict enforcement of the US blockade against Iran, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said that as of Sunday, it had redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two others to ensure compliance with the blockade.
U.S. Sailors stand watch on the bridge of USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross is one of over 20 U.S. warships deployed to the Middle East supporting military missions, including strict enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Aug. 9, CENTCOM has redirected 55 commercial vessels,… pic.twitter.com/B5NCpX7Nxw
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the nation was 'semi-negotiating' with Iran, adding that he is prepared to allow economic pressure on Iran to mount -- as opposed to ordering a new military offensive, Axios reported.
"We are low keying it," Trump told Axios during a brief phone call, arguing that Iran "is in very bad shape" economically.
The report noted that an agreement governing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was negotiated among Iran, Oman and the United States, and "has been pending for a few days now".