U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will initiate a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, following a presidential proclamation.
The operation, announced from CENTCOM’s headquarters in Tampa, Florida, targets vessels of all nations operating in Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Enforcement will be impartial, with no exceptions based on flag or origin. However, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for ships heading to or from non-Iranian ports will remain unaffected, ensuring that critical global shipping lanes stay open.
Commercial mariners have been advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts for detailed guidance ahead of the blockade’s start. CENTCOM also urged operators in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches to contact U.S. naval forces via bridge-to-bridge channel 16 for real-time coordination.
The blockade comes at a time of heightened geopolitical friction in the Middle East, with Iran’s maritime access now under direct U.S. military scrutiny. This move could disrupt oil shipments and trade flows linked to Iran, potentially rattling energy markets already sensitive to regional instability. Analysts anticipate immediate impacts on shipping costs and insurance premiums for vessels operating near the affected zones.
CENTCOM has pledged to release further operational details through formal notices, aiming to minimize uncertainty for international shipping companies. The blockade’s enforcement will test the balance between U.S. strategic objectives and the stability of one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. As of now, the Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil trade, a figure that underscores the stakes involved in this military action.
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