U.S. Navy implements blockade of Iranian ports

Effective today, Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:00 ET (15:00 BST), the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has begun implementing a blockade on traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.

Operational Parameters

CENTCOM will enforce the blockade impartially on vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. This includes ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM confirmed it will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz if they are heading to or from non-Iranian ports.

Commercial operators will receive further details through a formal notice.

Geopolitical Context

This action follows the breakdown of talks between the United States and Iran over the weekend. The two sides failed to reach a solution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said the US would “begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.”

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Naval Forces warned that they will treat any military vessels approaching the strait as violating the ceasefire. They added that they will “deal with them severely.”

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