US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to block ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation.
The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. This includes all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
“Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.
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"Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz." – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/JInBTLyu2s
CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, it was highlighted.
“Additional information will be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade. All mariners are advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches,” CENTCOM stated.
The announcement comes after the US and Iran failed to reach an agreement in Pakistan regarding peace in the Middle East.
Earlier on, the US Navy announced it would begin an operation to clear sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and USS Michael Murphy, transited the strait on April 11, initiating operations designed to “set conditions” for a broader mine clearance campaign. Iranian forces have rejected these claims, according to the reports published by the state media, stating that the waterway is under their full control.