US CENTCOM Moves to Restrict Iran Port Access Without Disrupting Global Shipping

United States Central Command has said that a naval blockade on traffic to and from Iranian ports will begin on Monday, 13 April, starting at 10 a.m. ET. The measure targets ships using Iranian ports, while allowing ships trading with other regional ports to continue using the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM stressed that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will continue for vessels heading to or from non-Iranian ports. The command said its forces will focus on access to Iranian coastal areas and ports, rather than closing the crucial sea lane for wider commercial traffic.

US CENTCOM blockade Iranian ports and Strait of Hormuz shipping rules

In a formal statement, US forces said, "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." The statement confirmed that the directive follows the policy announced by President Donald Trump.

CENTCOM explained that ships from every country will face the same restrictions when they attempt to use Iranian ports. "The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," the statement read.

The command also outlined how merchant ships will be kept informed before the new rules take effect. "All mariners are advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches," it said, signalling extra communication for commercial operators.

US CENTCOM blockade Iranian ports timeline and key details

Key operational details released so far focus on timing and scope rather than specific tactics. The blockade starts on 13 April at 10 a.m. ET and covers all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains open for ships bound to non-Iranian ports.

The CENTCOM announcement followed public remarks by Donald Trump, who had earlier revealed that a blockade would start "effective immediately" and insisted that other governments would help enforce it. Trump linked the step to long-running tensions over Iran's nuclear programme and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

US CENTCOM blockade Iranian ports and Trump’s accusations on Iran

Trump said Iran had agreed to what Trump described as the central part of negotiations, giving up nuclear ambitions, yet still posed a threat in the waterway. Trump claimed that Iran placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz and is "extorting" other states by creating fear about shipping safety in that strategic corridor.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "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. At some point, we will reach an "ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT" basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen by merely saying, "There may be a mine out there somewhere," that nobody knows about but them. THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted."

Trump said that instructions had been given to the US Navy to target vessels that pay Iran for passage. According to Trump, the navy will "seek and interdict" any ship that has paid what Trump described as a toll to cross the Strait of Hormuz, treating such payments as part of the alleged extortion system.

Trump added further warnings about the coming actions and possible involvement of partner states. "The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION. They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully "LOCKED AND LOADED," and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!" Trump wrote in the same post.

The latest US moves come against a wider backdrop of disputes involving Iran. Earlier comments from Trump mentioned a threat of a 50% tariff on China linked to weapons reaching Iran, and separate praise for Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief during Iran-related talks. Iran, meanwhile, previously released video from the Strait of Hormuz showing Iranian forces warning a US warship to keep away.

With CENTCOM preparing to implement the blockade and Trump stating that other countries will take part, commercial and political attention is now focused on tanker routes through the Gulf. The United States has said it will maintain transit through the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iranian trade, while attempting to cut off economic benefits that Iran gains from regional shipping.