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U.S. Central Command said on Sunday that its forces will begin blockading all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports starting at 10 a.m. Eastern time (5 p.m. Israel time) Monday, in line with a presidential directive.
“The United States to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 A.M. ET. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT,” U.S. President Donald Trump posted to his Truth Social platform on Monday, reaffirming CENTCOM’s earlier X post and his announcement on Sunday that the U.S. Navy would immediately begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 12, 2026
The operation will cover ports along Iran’s Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman coasts and apply to vessels of all nations.
Freedom of navigation for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian ports will not be affected, according to CENTCOM.
Commercial mariners were advised to monitor official notices and contact U.S. naval forces on channel 16 while operating near the area.
CENTCOM also announced on Saturday that U.S. forces had begun preparing to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, with the guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy operating in the area.
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said the mission aims to establish a safe passage to “encourage the free flow of commerce.”
Additional forces, including underwater drones, were expected to join the effort.
Trump’s announcement follows the collapse of marathon negotiations with Iran aimed at ending almost six weeks of war, placing a fragile two-week ceasefire at risk.
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