The U.S. has announced a timed, enforceable blockade of maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, set to begin at 10 a.m. ET on April 13, with U.S. Central Command taking operational charge and guidance issued for commercial mariners and naval communications.

The U.S. will start the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday at 10 a.m. ET. President Donald Trump announced the blockade on Sunday morning after negotiations failed. Iran refused to stop seeking nuclear weapons, Trump said in a Truth Social post.

U.S. Central Command forces will run the 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 operation is described as targeted at vessels bound for or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. Officials stress the move is meant to pressure Iran’s nuclear ambitions while controlling access to critical choke points.

CENTCOM forces will activate the 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. Commanders say enforcement will be uniform and will apply to vessels of all nations when interacting with Iranian ports. The aim is to deny support, supplies, or material flows that could accelerate Iran’s nuclear program.

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. U.S. officials emphasize impartial application to avoid accusations of selective targeting while maintaining leverage over Tehran. That impartiality is framed as a measured, rule-driven tool rather than indiscriminate force.

CENTCOM forces won’t impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, the group said on social media. Commercial traffic moving between non-Iranian ports will continue to transit international waterways, albeit with heightened awareness and coordination. The declaration attempts to balance strategic pressure on Iran with the need to keep global trade flowing.

Additional information will be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice before the start of the blockade. Officials have urged vessels to monitor maritime broadcasts and to follow updated guidance that will spell out inspection, reporting, and interdiction procedures. The guidance is intended to provide clarity to civilian operators and limit chaos in congested sea lanes.

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. Mariners should prepare for boarding or inspection processes if their movements intersect with Iranian ports, and they should keep communications open with naval authorities. These steps will protect crews and allow the blockade to operate with legal and operational oversight.

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