US forces 31 vessels to turn around since start of naval blockade of Iran — command

NEW YORK, April 23. /TASS/. Since the start of the naval blockade of Iran, the US Army has redirected 31 vessels that were heading to or departing from Iranian ports, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported. "US forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port," CENTCOM said in a statement on its X page. On February 28, the US and Israel launched a large-scale operation against Iran. On April 7, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week mutual ceasefire with Tehran. According to the Iranian side, a total of 3,375 Iranians died as a result of US and Israeli attacks over the 40 days of war. On April 11, Iran and the US held several rounds of talks in Islamabad. Both Tehran and Washington reported that the parties failed to reach an agreement on a long-term settlement due to a number of contradictions. On April 21, the US leader announced on Truth Social that Washington intends to extend the ceasefire with Iran, which was set to expire in a few hours. According to the Iranian state broadcaster, Tehran does not intend to comply with Washington’s unilaterally announced extension of the ceasefire and will prioritize its own interests. On April 22, Iranian permanent representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani said that Tehran believes negotiations with the US in Pakistan could resume if the US lifts its naval blockade of Iran.