The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Thursday that, as of the day, its ongoing maritime blockade against Iran had redirected 87 commercial vessels, and U.S. forces had disabled three vessels and boarded two to ensure "total compliance".
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on April 13 that the U.S. Navy would begin blocking ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, after peace talks with Iran failed to produce a deal.
The U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on June 18. The move came one day after the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran.
On July 14, the U.S. military announced the resumption of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
87 vessels redirected so far in Hormuz Strait: US
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that a settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict still remains possible, stressing that progress depends on whether the two sides can reach a shared understanding.
Speaking at the plenary session of the four-day 11th Eastern Economic Forum, which opened on Tuesday in Vladivostok, Putin said the key to resolving the conflict lies in Russia and Ukraine finding common ground.
He also condemned attacks and hijackings involving civilian vessels and threats against civilian aircraft, describing such actions as "state terrorism". Putin claimed Ukraine's Western partners have remained silent on these incidents, adding that this is not conducive to advancing peace negotiation talks.
Addressing Russia-U.S. relations, Putin said relevant departments in both countries, including intelligence services, have maintained contacts, which he hopes could yield positive results.
Also on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address that the United States has confirmed it will hold meetings in both Kiev and Moscow to move the negotiation process forward.
Zelensky said that Ukraine expects talks in Kiev to take place in the coming days and that the Ukrainian negotiation team is fully engaged in preparations, with an initial schedule already outlined.
Putin says chance remains for ending Russia-Ukraine conflict
