File Photo for representation purposes only
Washington: The US blockade of Iranian ports took effect Monday evening, April 13, 2026.
The US military announced that the blockade includes Iranian ports on the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, east of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that it will apply to all ships regardless of their flags.
It clarified that the blockade "covers the entire Iranian coastline, including ports and oil terminals, but not limited to," and that humanitarian shipments, including food, medical supplies, and other essential goods, will be allowed to pass after inspection.
Following the implementation of the blockade, US President Donald Trump stated that any Iranian fast attack craft approaching the area of the US-imposed blockade on the ports will be destroyed immediately.
Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social account: "What we did not target were the small number of their ships, which they call 'fast attack ships,' because we did not consider them a major threat," adding, "Warning: If any of these ships come near our blockade, they will be immediately destroyed using the same elimination system we use against drug traffickers on their boats at sea."
