US to Enforce Naval Blockade on Iran Starting July 14
The US will reinstate a naval blockade on Iran, preventing ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports, starting July 14 at 4pm ET. The blockade is a response to renewed clashes between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump announced the blockade on Monday, stating that the US will prevent any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports. The US Navy will begin enforcement of the blockade on July 14 at 4pm ET. The blockade encompasses the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and oil terminals, and applies to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag.
The US defense official said the US military has plans for several days of additional strikes in the Hormuz area and on Iran's southern coastline aimed at degrading the IRGC's ability to attack ships. The US Navy stated that humanitarian shipments like food and medical supplies will be permitted to reach Iranian ports, subject to inspection.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that the Hormuz Strait is open and will remain open, with or without Iran, and that the US will be known as 'the guardian of the Hormuz Strait'. He also stated that the US will ask to be reimbursed at a rate of 20% on all cargo shipped in exchange for providing security.
Go Deeper
What is the purpose of the naval blockade on Iran?
The purpose of the blockade is to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports, in response to renewed clashes between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
When will the blockade go into effect?
The blockade will go into effect on July 14 at 4pm ET.
Will the blockade affect humanitarian shipments?
No, humanitarian shipments like food and medical supplies will be permitted to reach Iranian ports, subject to inspection.
What is the US asking for in exchange for providing security?
The US is asking to be reimbursed at a rate of 20% on all cargo shipped in exchange for providing security.
How has Iran responded to the US announcement?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi used Trump's statement to justify Iran's demand for collecting service fees from ships that pass through the strait, and claimed that Iran has always been the guardian of the Strait and will remain so forever.
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