On Monday, April 13, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a notice to sailors, stating that the US military would implement a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, covering the entire Iranian coastline, affecting all vessels within the blockade, regardless of the flag they fly.
Reuters obtained a copy of this notice. The notice warned, “Any vessel entering or exiting the blockade area without authorization will face interception, redirection, and seizure.”
“This blockade will not impede the passage of neutral vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations,” the notice said.
The Central Command issued a statement on Sunday evening, stating that in accordance with the President’s announcement, CENTCOM forces would begin enforcing a blockade on all vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on April 13.
The notice released by the command on Monday also stated that the blockade “covers the entire Iranian coastline, including but not limited to ports and oil terminals.” It added that humanitarian goods transport, including food, medical supplies, and other essential items, would be permitted but subject to inspection.
Following unsuccessful talks over the weekend to end the war, the ceasefire agreement remains in jeopardy. Iran has threatened that if the ports are under threat, any port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will no longer be safe.
After the peace talks between the US and Iran reached a deadlock over the weekend, Trump announced on Sunday evening that the US military would impose a blockade on Iran at 10 a.m. on Monday. “Other countries are working to prevent Iran from selling oil,” he said, adding that he does not care whether Iranian authorities will engage in negotiations again.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for US President Trump’s decision to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu stated that after the failed peace talks with Pakistan on Sunday, he spoke with US Vice President Pence. He pointed out that the root cause of the failed negotiations was the US’s refusal to tolerate Iran’s closure of the strait during the ceasefire.
“Due to Iran’s violation of the rules, President Trump decided to impose a naval blockade on them. We certainly support this firm stance, and we have been coordinating with the US all along,” Netanyahu said.
British Prime Minister Stammer stated on Monday that regardless of the pressure faced, the UK would not be drawn into the war with Iran and would not participate in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We do not support the blockade,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. He emphasized that reopening the strait was crucial.