U.S. forces to begin blockading ships entering or exiting Iran

U.S. forces will begin implementing a blockade of "all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports" starting on Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, U.S. Central Command said.



The blockade, in accordance with U.S. President Donald Trump's proclamation, 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, which was posted on social media platform X.



U.S. Central Command forces "will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," it added.



The statement came a few hours after Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. Navy would begin blocking ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz.



In an interview, Trump said that the United States and allied countries would deploy minesweepers to the strait to clear sea mines and secure shipping lanes.