Maritime data showed a halt in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “naval blockade” on Iran.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that, starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, it will implement a blockade on all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, in accordance with a directive issued by the U.S. president.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM clarified that the blockade will be applied in a neutral manner to vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM emphasized that the measures will not apply to vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz en route to non-Iranian ports, stressing that freedom of navigation through this vital waterway will not be obstructed.
It added that further details will be provided to commercial mariners through official notices ahead of the blockade’s implementation, urging maritime operators to monitor “Notices to Mariners” and maintain communication with U.S. naval forces via Channel 16 while navigating the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters
