NEW YORK, May 16. /TASS/. The number of American military vessels redirected since the beginning of the blockade of Iran has increased to 78, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

"As of May 16, 78 commercial ships have been redirected, and 4 have been disabled to ensure compliance," it said on X.

The US began a naval blockade of Iran on April 13. CENTCOM said it will block all ships heading to the ports of the Islamic Republic, as well as trying to depart from its shores. Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani said the United States by establishing the naval blockade accompanied by the seizure of commercial vessels and the detention of crews, is acting like pirates and terrorists.