U.S. begins a naval blockade of Iran

“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on April 13 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, in accordance with the presidential proclamation,” the statement said.

The blockade will be applied impartially to vessels of all countries entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Arabian and Omani Gulfs.

U.S. Central Command forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

"Additional information will be provided to commercial mariners via official notification prior to the start of the blockade. All mariners are advised to monitor “Notices to Mariners” broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on Channel 16 during operations in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz areas," the command emphasized.

Photo: CENTCOM.