April 13, 2026

US to Block Iran's Ports Starting April 13

The blockade of maritime traffic to Iranian ports will begin on April 13 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time (5:00 PM MSK), the US Central Command reported. All vessels, regardless of country, will be blocked. US forces will also block traffic to Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. However, the US will not obstruct other vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and heading to ports of other countries. On April 12, US President Donald Trump announced that the US Navy would 'begin blocking all ships without exception attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz.' Previously, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump and his advisors were discussing resuming limited strikes on Iran. A second scenario involves resuming full-scale strikes, though this is considered less likely. The Trump administration is also considering a short-term blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and pressuring allies to take on the responsibility of ensuring the security of vessel passage in the future.