U.S. naval forces have begun enforcing a blockade of all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, following a direct order from President Donald Trump.
The operation started at 10 a.m. Eastern time (9 a.m. Central) on Monday, April 13, U.S. Central Command confirmed. The move comes one day after ceasefire talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan ended without agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues.
CENTCOM said the blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. U.S. forces will not interfere with ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian ports, a clarification from Trump’s earlier threat to block the entire strait.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 12, 2026
The action marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran. Trump announced the presidential directive Sunday evening after the Pakistan negotiations broke down. Officials described the blockade as a necessary step to increase economic pressure on Tehran and prevent vessels from paying tolls to Iran for safe passage through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil shipments. Shipping companies and energy markets are closely watching the operation for any disruptions to global oil supplies. No incidents, injuries or fatalities have been reported in the first hours of enforcement.
