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US Navy Begins Blockade of Iran Ports After Trump Deadline Expires

The United States has initiated a naval blockade against Iran, restricting maritime access to Iranian ports following the expiry of a deadline set by President Donald Trump. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the enforcement of these access restrictions in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. The unprecedented move comes after the total collapse of negotiations between American and Iranian delegations. President Trump declared the blockade and warned that any Iranian forces targeting American or civilian ships would be met with decisive force.

Key Points: US Naval Blockade of Iran Begins, UKMTO Confirms Enforcement

  • Blockade targets Iranian ports and coastal areas
  • UKMTO confirms enforcement of restrictions
  • Triggered by collapse of US-Iran talks
  • Transit through Strait for non-Iranian trade continues
  • US warns of force against any targeting of ships
2 min read

US naval blockade against Iran begins; UKMTO confirms enforcement at Iranian ports

The US Navy has begun a blockade of Iranian ports after failed talks. President Trump ordered the move, restricting maritime access to Iran.

"Effective immediately, the United States Navy... will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz. - Donald Trump"

Washington, DC, April 13

The American military naval blockade against Iran has officially commenced following the expiry of the deadline established by US President Donald Trump.

Confirming the start of the operation, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated it has received reports that "maritime access restrictions are being enforced affecting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including locations along the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz."

The UKMTO said these access restrictions apply without distinction to vessels of any flag engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities. However, transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations is notreported to be impeded by these measures.

This unprecedented move was triggered by the total collapse of negotiations between American and Iranian delegations. Issuing the directive after the talks ended without a resolution, President Trump declared a naval blockade on all vessels entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz.

"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," the President stated.

Expanding on the scope of the maritime operation, Trump noted that the US Navy intends to locate and board any ship in international waters found to have provided transit payments to Tehran. "No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas," he declared.

The President further warned that the blockade is operational at the current time, issuing a stern caution to Iranian forces.

He asserted that any personnel who targeted American or civilian ships would be "BLOWN TO HELL," adding that the US military is "LOCKED AND LOADED" to eliminate the remainder of Iran's military assets.

Providing technical details on the enforcement of the measure, a statement from CENTCOM clarified that the restrictions are directed specifically at vessels moving to or from Iranian ports.

The military command confirmed the blockade was scheduled to commence at 10 am ET today, Monday, April 13.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While I understand the US's concerns, a naval blockade feels like an act of war. It sets a terrible precedent. What if tomorrow another power decides to blockade a strait critical for us? Diplomacy should always be the first and last option.
A
Arjun K
Our government needs to act fast. We have significant energy imports from the Gulf and our diaspora is there. We must ensure the safety of Indian vessels and citizens and engage with all parties to de-escalate. Jai Hind.
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Sarah B
Watching from abroad, the language used is incredibly aggressive. "Blown to hell" and "locked and loaded" from a world leader is irresponsible. It raises tensions when cool heads are needed most. The international community must step in.
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Vikram M
Honestly, a part of me feels this was long coming given Iran's stance. But the fallout won't be contained to just them or the US. The entire region, including our friends in the UAE and Saudi, will be impacted. Hope our foreign policy is nimble enough.
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Karthik V
The timing is awful. With the world focused on the pandemic, this diverts crucial attention and resources. It also risks a humanitarian crisis in Iran. The US should reconsider this heavy-handed approach. 🙏

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