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3. U.S. Intercepts 42nd Vessel as Iran Port Blockade Disrupts Oil Flows

Late Wednesday, the U.S. military said it had intercepted another commercial vessel attempting to breach a blockade on Iranian ports, marking what officials described as a significant operational milestone.

In a statement posted on X, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had successfully redirected the 42nd ship accused of trying to violate the maritime restrictions. The command praised the “exceptional work” of U.S. service members in enforcing the blockade and preventing trade flows into and out of Iran.

According to CENTCOM, 41 oil tankers carrying an estimated 69 million barrels of crude remain unable to reach markets due to the restrictions. The blocked shipments are valued at more than $6 billion, depriving Iranian authorities of critical revenue, the statement added.

U.S. officials described to Reuters that the blockade is “highly effective” and reiterated their commitment to maintaining full enforcement. In earlier remarks, CENTCOM said the operation had, for over two weeks, significantly disrupted Iran’s maritime trade and broader economic activity.

Separately, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran “has not been able to get its act together,” adding that Tehran could initiate contact if it sought negotiations.

Oil markets reacted sharply to the escalating tensions. Brent crude rose by more than 6% on Wednesday, reaching its highest level in a month amid expectations that the standoff could persist, according to reporting from Reuters and other outlets.

Iran, for its part, has warned it will continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as long as it remains under pressure, raising concerns about further instability in global energy supplies and renewed volatility in oil markets.