'We are sealing Iran's ports and keeping Hormuz open'

The United States Navy is employing two concurrent missions in the Gulf region. One mission aims to seal Iran's coastline, blocking any vessels from entering or exiting Iranian ports. The other mission ensures the Strait of Hormuz remains open, providing assistance to commercial shipping companies that request assistance. US Central Command spokesperson, Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, discussed both initiatives in an exclusive interview with Al Majalla.

The blockade against Iran's ports ran from April to June, paused, and then resumed in mid-July. Non-compliant ships are either recorded as compliant or, if they refuse, disabled or boarded. Cargoes deemed humanitarian are permitted to pass. Hormuz has remained open despite Iranian threats, and the Navy has continued to assist any shipping company that requests help.

On Yemen, Hawkins mentioned that the US air campaign against the Houthis was last year's effort, not a current one. He declined to comment on the group's strength, whether it is regaining strength, or the status of Yemen's national army, citing intelligence. Instead, he emphasized regional partnerships, stating that CENTCOM works, trains, and operates with regional allies.

In Syria, Hawkins declined to assess the Islamic State's capabilities or smuggling routes but reported a recent campaign that killed and detained IS fighters alongside regional partners.