US shuts down Iran's ports to global shipping: Key details
Photo: An oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz (Getty Images)
The United States is imposing a blockade on all maritime vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, according to US Central Command.
When and how the blockade will take effect
According to the US President’s proclamation, the blockade will begin on April 13.
CENTCOM forces will apply it impartially against vessels of all countries attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports, as well as against vessels in Iran’s coastal zones in the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
What is exempt from blockade
CENTCOM emphasizes that it will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian ports.
Warning to mariners
Before the start of the blockade, commercial mariners will be provided with additional information via an official notice.
All mariners are advised to monitor notices in the Notice to Mariners channels and contact US naval forces on Channel 16 while operating in the Gulf of Oman and on the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement of the blockade was preceded by fruitless negotiations between the US and Iran. From April 11 to 12, hours-long talks took place in Pakistan, but the parties failed to reach an agreement.
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that no agreements had been reached. Later, Donald Trump called the talks good and noted that the parties had agreed on many issues, but Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions, he said, negated the progress.
Following this, Trump announced that the US Navy was beginning to block the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that no ship would be able to enter or leave.
At the same time, the United Kingdom stated that it would not participate in the US blockade. This position was announced in London, citing the fact that the United Kingdom has its own objectives regarding the strait and does not support an escalation.
