US forces have instructed 33 vessels to alter course or return to port as part of Washington’s naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday, The Caspian Post reports.

This figure represents an increase from the 31 vessels reported earlier the same day and comes after Sunday’s interception of the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA, as well as the boarding of the tanker M/T Majestic X in the Indian Ocean on Thursday.

The blockade was initiated on April 13, following several weeks of disruptions affecting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz has faced significant disruption since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war involving Iran on Feb. 28, unsettling global energy markets and heightening concerns over sustained economic fallout.

A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan is currently in effect, with further negotiations anticipated in the near future to reach a lasting resolution.