The U.S. Armed Forces will impose a blockade on maritime traffic seeking to enter or leave Iran’s ports located in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Central Command announced that the measure will be implemented starting at 1000 (Eastern Time) on Monday, April 13.
In accordance with the proclamation of U.S. President Donald Trump, “…the blockade will be applied impartially to vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will not impede the freedom of navigation of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports…,” CENTCOM detailed in its statement.
Washington adopted this measure after negotiations with Iran failed, a process that took place in Pakistan less than a day ago. It is worth noting that during the talks between the U.S. and Iranian delegations, two U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke destroyers transited the waters of the Strait of Hormuz in order to “…establish conditions for mine-clearing…”.
For the past few days, the Middle East has been experiencing a tense calm after Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire. The agreement paused the exchange of attacks between Iran and the U.S. and its allies in the region, mainly Israel. Expectations were focused on a negotiated solution in order to de-escalate the situation, which is already having consequences on the global economy.
With the blockade unilaterally announced by the U.S. on Iran’s ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, it is expected that Tehran will adopt firm measures to circumvent it, as well as to prevent U.S. Armed Forces from fulfilling their mission. This may mean a resumption of attacks against critical infrastructure in countries of the region, as well as an offensive against U.S. military assets deployed in those waters.
Once the maritime blockade becomes effective, CENTCOM announced that additional information will be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade. “…All mariners are advised to remain attentive to Notices to Mariners broadcasts and to communicate with U.S. naval forces via channel 16 (bridge-to-bridge) when operating in the Gulf of Oman and in the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz…,” the Command reported.
U.S. Navy assets deployed in the Middle East
The U.S. Navy maintains a considerable presence of surface units in the Middle East area of responsibility. The spearhead is the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group as well as the Amphibious Group led by the LHA Tripoli.
In addition, the U.S. also has a significant number of escorts in CENTCOM waters, with at least one Ticonderoga-class cruiser and seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, ships deployed independently. These units have been part of the defensive shield to counter the threat of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles launched by Iran in recent weeks.
These naval units are complemented by support vessels of all types, both manned and unmanned. The force is further reinforced by U.S. Naval Aviation assets deployed at various bases in the region, which could be joined by aircraft from the Air Force.
“…The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and an essential commercial corridor that sustains regional and global economic prosperity. Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearing operations in the coming days…,” CENTCOM detailed at the time.
*Illustrative cover image. Credits: US Navy
You may also like: With operations in Iran, the U.S. is pushing its stock of JASSM cruise missiles to the limit
