The U.S. military advises ships to leave or stop heading to Iranian ports

A sailor on a merchant ship in waters near the Strait of Hormuz told Xinhua News Agency on the 14th that the US said the southern channel of the Strait of Hormuz was still open that day, while also advising vessels to immediately leave or stop heading to Iranian ports.

Recordings from the vessel’s radio public channel, which the sailor exclusively provided to Xinhua, show that the US issued hails to ships near the Strait of Hormuz stating that, although Iran said the strait had been closed, the US “is prepared to uphold freedom of navigation and ensure lawful commercial activities,” and that the “southern channel of the Strait of Hormuz remains open.”

Another recording provided by the sailor shows that the US also advised neutral vessels that day to immediately leave Iranian ports or stop going to Iranian ports. After the maritime blockade began, ships heading to or leaving Iranian ports could be intercepted and seized. Vessels that do not comply with the US blockade measures will face the use of force. (Xinhua)