US Central Command announced it will begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting April 13, following President Donald Trump's directive. The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, CENTCOM specified that the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it will begin blockading all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting April 13. This blockade will be applied impartially to vessels of all nations, covering all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, it specified that the freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded.
Following President Trump's announcement of a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz traffic, Iran's IRGC warned that any military vessel approaching the strait would violate the two-week ceasefire and face decisive force. The IRGC stated the strait is under Iranian Navy control, allowing safe passage for non-military vessels under specific regulations. This situation heightens the risk of blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, which is already causing a global fuel crisis.
Escalating Middle East tensions, fueled by the US President's announcement of plans to blockade Iranian ports, have driven crude oil prices up sharply. Consequently, US gasoline prices have risen to their highest level since August 2022. Reduced traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is further tightening supply, impacting global energy markets.
President Trump is reportedly considering limited military strikes and a maritime blockade against Iran to break the deadlock in peace talks. US Central Command announced the implementation of a maritime traffic ban on vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports. Trump labeled Iran's obstruction of the Strait of Hormuz as 'global extortion,' signaling a strong intent to act.
After talks collapsed, US President Trump is considering restarting limited military strikes and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz against Iran. Officials are also weighing a broader bombing campaign, though this is less likely due to fears of regional instability. Another option involves a short-term blockade while pressuring allies to secure maritime traffic.