US to enforce maritime blockade on Iranian ports from April 13

The US military’s Central Command (Centcom) says it will begin enforcing a sweeping maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports from 13 April.

In a statement, Centcom said the operation will start at 10am EST (1500 GMT) “in accordance with the President’s proclamation”, marking a major escalation in pressure on Tehran.

The move follows comments by US President Donald Trump, who said Washington would impose a blockade after talks with Iranian negotiators in Islamabad failed to yield results.

Centcom said the measures will apply broadly, stating: “The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman”.

It added that the operation will not extend to international transit routes, saying: “CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of ⁠navigation for vessels transiting the Strait ⁠of Hormuz to and ⁠from non-Iranian ports”.