While transit through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations remains unaffected, the US Navy has begun targeting ships linked to Iranian trade. President Donald Trump warned that vessels paying transit fees to Tehran could be intercepted and boarded. | Photo Credit: Reuters

The American military naval blockade against Iran has officially commenced following the expiry of the deadline established by US President Donald Trump.

Confirming the start of the operation, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated it has received reports that “maritime access restrictions are being enforced affecting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including locations along the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.”

The UKMTO said these access restrictions apply without distinction to vessels of any flag engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities. However, transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations is not reported to be impeded by these measures.

Trigger: collapse of US-Iran negotiations

This unprecedented move was triggered by the total collapse of negotiations between American and Iranian delegations. Issuing the directive after the talks ended without a resolution, President Trump declared a naval blockade on all vessels entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz.

“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,” the President stated.

US Navy to intercept vessels linked to Iran

Expanding on the scope of the maritime operation, Trump noted that the US Navy intends to locate and board any ship in international waters found to have provided transit payments to Tehran. “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he declared.

Strong warning issued to Iran

The President further warned that the blockade is operational at the current time, issuing a stern caution to Iranian forces.

He asserted that any personnel who targeted American or civilian ships would be “BLOWN TO HELL,” adding that the US military is “LOCKED AND LOADED” to eliminate the remainder of Iran’s military assets.

CENTCOM outlines operational details

Providing technical details on the enforcement of the measure, a statement from CENTCOM clarified that the restrictions are directed specifically at vessels moving to or from Iranian ports.

The military command confirmed the blockade was scheduled to commence at 10 am ET today, Monday, April 13.

Published on April 13, 2026