US imposes naval blockade on Iran, includes oil ports and terminals

The US military is expected to begin enforcing a naval blockade against Iran on Tuesday at 11:00 PM, according to an announcement from the Joint Maritime Information Center, part of the United States Navy. According to US authorities, the measure will apply to all vessels, regardless of their flag, and will cover the entire coastline of Iran. Iranian oil ports and terminals are also included.

However, the announcement clarifies that neutral passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships traveling to destinations unrelated to Iran will not be hindered. Additionally, vessels transporting humanitarian aid will be allowed to pass after undergoing necessary inspections.

Foreign media report that the decision comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, particularly regarding maritime security and the control of one of the world’s most important energy transport routes.

A detailed statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM)

At the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will resume the blockade of maritime traffic entering and departing Iranian ports on July 14 at 4 PM Eastern Time. CENTCOM forces will enforce the blockade on vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The US military continues to facilitate the flow of traffic in regional waters for all vessels not violating the blockade.

The resumption of the US blockade against Iran follows its initial enforcement from April 13 to June 18. During this two-month period, CENTCOM forces diverted more than 140 compliant vessels, detained nine non-compliant vessels, and allowed over 50 merchant ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass through the blockade. All mariners are advised to monitor “Notice to Mariners” broadcasts and to communicate with US naval forces via channel 16 (bridge-to-bridge) when operating in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz.