The US will begin implementing a complete maritime blockade on ships transiting and departing Iranian ports from April 13th. Tensions have escalated after high-stakes talks between Washington and Tehran failed to reach a compromise on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) took this step following a presidential order and will target all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, including those along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM stated, “This blockade will be implemented without discrimination against ships from all countries,” and added that US forces will not block ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz from non-Iranian ports. According to a CENTCOM release, the blockade will begin at 7:30 p.m. IST on Monday.
https://t.co/YAFhMBm7hA
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 12, 2026
Commercial mariners are advised to monitor official navigation warnings and remain in contact with US naval forces while operating in the area. This announcement came just hours after US President Donald Trump stated that, despite progress on other fronts, negotiations with Iran had stalled over its nuclear goals.
Trump said, “Most things were agreed upon, but the only thing that really matters, nuclear, wasn’t.” He announced that the US Navy would begin the process of blocking all ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz.
He accused Iran of “global extortion” by exploiting threats of naval mines in the Strait, a vital global energy corridor. He said, “Anyone who pays illegal tolls will not have safe passage on the high seas” and added that the US military would also begin eliminating Iranian-laid mines in the Strait. However, Iran strongly protested, suggesting that the blockade nearly derailed the final negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Saeed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had acted in good faith to end the war and was inches away from a deal before resorting to maximalism, shifting targets, and a blockade. He said, “Good intentions breed good intentions. Hostility breeds hostility.”
Analysts monitoring the war say the war is aimed at pressuring global shipping by exploiting uncertainty over Iran’s naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The Institute for the Study of War said Iran had declared a “dangerous area” covering specific shipping lanes.
This forced ships to enter Iranian waters, where they were charged protection fees. The group said, “This protection racket is illegal under maritime law,” and added that any country bordering the Strait cannot restrict passage or impose fees under international conventions.
Analysts said the mine threat, reportedly from less than a dozen, has driven up oil prices and shipping insurance costs, even without direct attacks. US Navy forces have launched operations to counter that strategy.
Destroyers including the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy have transited the strait to provide safe passage and begin mine-clearing efforts. Centcom Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the safe passage will be shared with civilian shipping as soon as possible.
