Trump Initiates Blockade of Iranian Coast, Tehran Threatens Retaliation

The U.S. military has initiated a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, which applies to all shipping traffic regardless of the flag under which the ship sails, the U.S. Central Command announced in a message to mariners that Reuters had access to on Monday.

With this move, U.S. President Donald Trump believes he will force Iran to make concessions after weeks of airstrikes.

The message states that the blockade came into effect on Monday at 14:00 GMT (16:00 Central European Time).

– Any vessel entering or exiting the blocked area without authorization is subject to interception, rerouting, and may be forcibly stopped. The blockade will not interfere with neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from destinations that are not Iranian – the message states.

The blockade ‘covers the entire Iranian coast and includes, but is not limited to, ports and oil terminals,’ the statement says, adding that the passage of humanitarian shipments, such as food, medical supplies, and other essential goods for life will be allowed, but will be subject to inspections.

Tehran has threatened retaliation against the ports of its Gulf neighbors after negotiations held over the weekend failed to reach an agreement to end the war, jeopardizing the ceasefire.

Netanyahu Supports Blockade of Iranian Ports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday expressed support for the blockade of Iranian ports, stating that he is in close coordination with the United States on this matter.

– Iran has violated the rules (of the peace negotiations in Pakistan), and President Trump has decided to impose a maritime blockade – Netanyahu stated during a cabinet meeting, according to a video released by his office.

– We, of course, support this firm stance and are in constant coordination with the United States – Netanyahu added.