A U.S. naval blockade on Iran’s ports is set to take effect today, Monday, as tensions escalate following the collapse of diplomatic talks between the two countries.
The blockade, enforced by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), will begin at 10:00 a.m. local time in Iran (2:30 p.m. Bangladesh time). Once implemented, no ships will be allowed to enter Iranian ports, and vessels currently docked will be prohibited from leaving.
CENTCOM has warned that any ship attempting to violate the blockade could be targeted by U.S. forces.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the blockade would apply to all Iranian ports, including those located along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The restrictions will be enforced impartially on vessels from all countries seeking to enter or exit Iranian ports or operate in Iran’s coastal waters.
However, ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz to or from ports in other countries will not be obstructed, and their freedom of navigation will be respected.
CENTCOM also stated that further details would be shared in advance to assist international commercial shipping.
The move comes shortly after a 21-hour round of talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Islamabad failed. Following the breakdown, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of imposing a blockade in the vital global trade route, the Strait of Hormuz. Hours later, CENTCOM confirmed the implementation of the blockade targeting Iranian ports.
