The U.S. military will begin enforcing a naval blockade of Iran at 11:00 p.m. Greek time on Tuesday (July 14), according to an announcement by the Joint Maritime Information Center, which operates under the U.S. Navy.
According to the statement, the blockade will apply to all ships regardless of nationality or flag. It covers Iran’s entire coastline, including Iranian ports and oil export terminals, though it is not limited to those locations.
However, innocent passage through the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian destinations will not be obstructed. Vessels carrying humanitarian cargo will also be allowed to transit after undergoing inspection.
Full statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
Under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, forces of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will resume the blockade of maritime traffic entering and departing Iranian ports beginning July 14 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
CENTCOM forces will enforce the blockade against vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The U.S. military will continue to facilitate maritime traffic in regional waters for all vessels that are not violating the blockade.
The resumption of the U.S. blockade against Iran follows its initial enforcement from April 13 through June 18. During that two-month period, CENTCOM forces redirected more than 140 compliant vessels, detained nine non-compliant vessels, and allowed more than 50 commercial ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass through the blockade.
All mariners are advised to monitor “Notices to Mariners” broadcasts and to contact U.S. naval forces on VHF Channel 16 (bridge-to-bridge) while operating in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions