Tampa, Florida — United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin enforcing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from 10am Eastern Time (3pm BST) on Monday, in line with a presidential proclamation.
The operation will be applied impartially to vessels of every nation entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. This includes all Iranian facilities on the Arabian Gulf and in the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM has made clear that the blockade will not affect freedom of navigation. Ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from ports outside Iran will continue to pass unhindered.
Commercial mariners are expected to receive additional guidance through a formal Notice to Mariners before the blockade takes effect. All vessels operating in the region have been urged to monitor these broadcasts closely. Ships in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz should also contact US naval forces on bridge-to-bridge radio channel 16 for instructions.
The announcement was issued by CENTCOM, whose headquarters are based in Tampa, Florida. No further details on the duration or scope of the operation beyond the initial statement have been released.
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