US Military Announces Plans for Blockade of All Iranian Ports Starting Monday

US Military Announces Blockade of Iranian Ports

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that it will begin blocking all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10am Eastern Time. The blockade will apply to “all vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas,” including those in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

However, CENTCOM stated that US forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports. This apparent scaling back from President Donald Trump’s earlier threat to blockade the entire strait has raised questions about the scope of the blockade.

Iran has warned that any approaching military vessels would be in breach of a US-Iran ceasefire, which is set to expire on April 22, and “will be dealt with severely.” The country has continued to move its own vessels through the Strait of Hormuz while allowing limited passage of ships from other countries.

The blockade is believed to have been triggered by the failure of peace talks in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. Iranian officials have blamed the US side for failing to reach a deal, citing shifting “goalposts” and obstruction of efforts. The US has announced that it will begin enforcing the blockade on April 13.

The price of US crude oil has increased significantly following the announcement, jumping 8 percent to $104.24 a barrel. Brent crude oil, the international standard, has also risen 7 percent to $102.29 per barrel.

Source: Al Jazeera