CENTCOM update: US will not 'impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Hormuz to & from non Iranian ports'

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 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. Additional information will be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade. 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. Source: CENTCOM on X and [AP](https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-trump-lebanon-april-12-2026-a8a0d22918fc3fb30bc3abf1cd5c5a13) The initial threat came directly from President Trump via a Truth Social post on April 12, 2026, shortly after U.S. Iran peace talks in Pakistan collapsed without a deal - “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.”