U.S. Central Command to Enforce Naval Blockade on Iranian Ports Starting April 13

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on Monday, April 13, at 10 a.m. ET, following a presidential proclamation.

The blockade will apply impartially to vessels of all nations attempting to enter or depart from Iranian ports and coastal areas. This includes all Iranian facilities along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM emphasized that the measure will not affect freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian ports.

“Additional information will be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade,” the command stated. Mariners were advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and to contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region. No further details on the duration or specific enforcement measures were provided in the statement.

Pampanga Post will continue to monitor developments.