Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 13: The United States military has announced that it will begin blocking all Iranian ports from Monday as tensions escalate following unsuccessful peace talks held in Pakistan.
In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the blockade will apply to “all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports” from 10 am Eastern Time (14:00 GMT) on April 13. The restriction will cover vessels of all nations operating to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, including routes in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
However, CENTCOM clarified that US forces will not obstruct freedom of navigation for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, indicating a narrower approach than earlier statements attributed to President Donald Trump, which had suggested a wider blockade of the strategic waterway.
The announcement comes amid what US officials described as stalled negotiations in Islamabad, which ended without agreement over the weekend.
Commenting on the developments, analysts pointed to conflicting messaging from Washington, noting that while earlier threats indicated a broader maritime shutdown, the latest directive appears limited to Iranian port traffic.
Global energy markets reacted sharply, with US crude rising nearly 8 per cent to $104.24 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed about 7 per cent to $102.29 per barrel.
Iran, meanwhile, has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of conflict with the US and Israel in late February, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. Traffic through the waterway has reportedly reduced significantly, though Iranian vessels and limited international shipping continue to pass.
Iranian officials have warned that any military escalation would violate the existing ceasefire agreement, while also stating they are prepared to respond strongly to any threats.
Tehran has accused Washington of derailing negotiations, claiming US representatives shifted conditions at the final stage of talks, despite progress on a draft understanding.
Experts in Iran have also cautioned that external pressure would not dictate the country’s actions, with some warning of prolonged conflict if tensions continue to escalate.