Washington: 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).
According to Philippines News Agency, CENTCOM forces will enforce the blockade impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. This action will cover all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. However, CENTCOM emphasized that freedom of navigation will not be impeded for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.
The command is making preparations to 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.
US President Donald Trump remarked that other nations are collaborating with the United States to prevent Iran from selling oil, as the blockade is set to take effect Monday. "A lot of very good things are happening with regard to the Strait of Hormuz," Trump stated to reporters after arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
On the status of the Iran ceasefire, Trump claimed that it is "holding well," and added that Iran's military has been "destroyed," with their Navy "underwater." He confirmed the upcoming blockade and noted that many tankers were rerouting to avoid the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also asserted that the US has "more oil than Russia and Saudi Arabia" combined, attributing this as the reason for tankers heading towards the US to "fill up."
Trump further argued that Iran is "in very bad shape" and "very desperate" to reach a deal. When asked about the possibility of Iran returning to the negotiation table, he expressed indifference, stating, "I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine."
Regarding Iran's military capabilities, Trump claimed that "the manufacturing capability for missiles and drones is largely defeated," asserting that Tehran "broke their promise" about peace talks. Recent talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad, Pakistan, concluded without reaching an agreement.
The conflict has seen significant casualties, with more than 3,000 people killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran since February 28. In retaliation, Iran launched strikes in Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets before a two-week ceasefire was recently announced.
