U.S. to Enforce Maritime Blockade on Iranian Ports Starting Today

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it will begin enforcing a maritime blockade on all traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting April 13 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, following a directive issued by the U.S. President.

According to the statement, the blockade will apply to vessels of all nationalities operating in and out of Iranian ports and coastal areas. This includes key ports located along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM emphasized that the enforcement will be carried out impartially, targeting all maritime traffic connected to Iranian ports regardless of origin or destination.

However, the command clarified that the blockade will not affect international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels traveling to or from non-Iranian ports. Freedom of navigation in the vital waterway will remain uninterrupted under the new measures.

Authorities also noted that additional guidance will be issued to commercial shipping operators through formal maritime notices ahead of the blockade’s implementation. Mariners have been advised to stay updated via official “Notice to Mariners” broadcasts and maintain communication with U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge Channel 16 while operating in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz.

The move is expected to have significant implications for regional shipping routes and maritime security dynamics.