US Central Command announces blockade of all Iranian ports as of April 13

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday that it will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET (1400GMT).

"U.S. 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," it said on the US social media company X’s platform.

Saying "the blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas," it added that it will include all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

"CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," it noted.

The command said it will notify commercial ships ahead of the blockade, advising all vessels in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz to monitor maritime broadcasts and contact US naval forces if needed.