U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a maritime blockade targeting all vessel traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, effective April 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET. The measure, implemented in accordance with a presidential proclamation, aims to increase pressure on Iran following the breakdown of peace talks. The blockade applies impartially to vessels of all nations operating in Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
"Any vessel entering or leaving the blockaded area without authorization may be subject to interception, diversion, or capture," CENTCOM stated in a notice. However, the command clarified that the blockade "will not impede neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations," as noted by Visegrád 24 on social media. This distinction allows freedom of navigation for ships not involved in trade with Iranian ports.
President Donald Trump initially declared a broader intention to blockade "any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz" via social media. CENTCOM's subsequent announcement refined this, focusing the blockade specifically on Iranian port traffic. The move follows unproductive peace negotiations in Pakistan and comes amidst heightened tensions in the critical waterway, which handles a significant portion of the world's oil trade.
The Strait of Hormuz has seen severely reduced traffic since the start of U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran in late February. Prior to the conflict, approximately 150 vessels transited the strait daily, a number that has plummeted to a fraction, with many operators hesitant to navigate the volatile region. International bodies and shipping firms are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns raised about potential escalation and impact on global supply chains.
The blockade's implementation has drawn international reactions. China's foreign ministry labeled the U.S. action as "dangerous and irresponsible," warning it could further aggravate tensions. Despite the U.S. assurances of preserving freedom of navigation for non-Iranian trade, the efficacy and potential ramifications of the blockade remain a subject of intense scrutiny among analysts and maritime stakeholders.
