The United States naval blockade targeting Iran has officially come into effect following the expiry of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, according to maritime security reports.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that it has received reports indicating 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.”
UKMTO further stated that the restrictions apply broadly to vessels of any flag engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, and coastal facilities. However, it clarified that transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations is not currently reported to be affected.
The move follows the breakdown of negotiations between American and Iranian delegations, after which President Trump announced 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,” Trump said, according to the statement.
He further stated that US naval forces would identify and intercept vessels in international waters suspected of providing transit payments to Tehran, adding, “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.”
The President also warned that the blockade is currently operational and issued a strong caution to Iran, saying any attack on American or civilian ships would be met with severe military retaliation.
A statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that the restrictions are focused specifically on vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports, and confirmed that the enforcement of the blockade began at 10 am ET on Monday.
