CENTCOM Says U.S. Tightens Maritime Enforcement Against Iran

U.S. Central Command said Friday that American warships and air assets are continuing intensive patrols in regional waters to enforce the blockade on Iran, amid reports of a near agreement between Washington and Tehran. CENTCOM said the activity is meant to ensure compliance with blockade directives and prevent actions that go beyond U.S. policy toward Iran.

According to CENTCOM’s updated figures, U.S. forces have redirected 136 vessels to ensure they were following the instructions, and disabled nine additional ships as part of the effort to maintain the blockade. The command said the strengthened American presence in the region will continue as part of its operational strategy.

At the same time, reports about the emerging memorandum suggest the United States could agree to a full lifting of economic sanctions, especially those tied to Iran’s oil sector, and to transfer frozen Iranian funds. The draft also reportedly includes withdrawing U.S. military forces surrounding Iran, removing the naval blockade, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite U.S. administration statements, the reported terms have raised questions about the scope of concessions to Tehran. The deal is believed to be an interim arrangement with a 60-day ceasefire, extendable if needed, during which negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program would continue. In return, Iran would reportedly gain access to $25 billion in frozen assets and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. supervision.