Washington/Tehran: The US Central Command on Thursday said that U.S. forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of an ongoing maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports, underscoring Washington’s continued military pressure in the region.

According to details released by CENTCOM, the blockade has seen over 30 vessels redirected, with the majority complying with U.S. instructions. Most of the ships that turned back were identified as oil tankers, highlighting the potential impact on regional energy flows.

The US military presence backing the blockade remains substantial, involving more than 10,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, including fighter jets and surveillance platforms, and at least 17 warships. The assets deployed include aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, guided-missile destroyers, and both manned and unmanned aircraft systems.

The development comes even as President Donald Trump announced that the United States was indefinitely extending its ceasefire with Iran, with a fresh round of peace talks currently on hold.

Pakistan had been slated to host the next phase of negotiations, but the White House suspended Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to Islamabad after Iran pushed back against renewed diplomatic efforts. While Tehran acknowledged the ceasefire extension, it did not confirm participation in upcoming talks, according to state media.

Meanwhile, tensions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz escalated further. Iranian semi-official agencies reported that the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard targeted a third vessel on Wednesday. The ship, identified as Euphoria, was said to have become “stranded” along Iran’s coast, though details remain unclear. Iranian state television also reported that two previously targeted vessels had been seized.

Meanwhile, the US Senate rejected the resolution 46-51 on Wednesday as Republicans in Congress have largely backed Trump’s military efforts.

It was the fifth time this year that the Senate voted to cede its war powers to the president in a conflict that Democrats say is illegal and unjustified. The resolution would require the U.S. to withdraw forces from the conflict until Congress authorises further action.

Oil prices up 4%

Oil prices jumped four per cent on Thursday after Iran vowed not to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

At around 0025 GMT, the benchmark US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), climbed 4.06 per cent to $96.73 per barrel. International oil benchmark Brent North Sea crude rose 3.62 per cent to $105.63. Both eased back in the following minutes.

Oil prices have soared since Israel and the United States attacked Iran on February 28, and they have kept inching up due to the uncertainty over whether war will resume.