The United States is set to restart its maritime blockade of Iran on Monday, reintroducing limits on commercial shipping in and out of Iranian ports just weeks after lifting those restrictions due to a now-collapsed ceasefire agreement.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) declared that operations for the blockade will resume at 4 p.m. ET on July 14, following instructions from President Donald Trump. This gives Iran about 24 hours to adjust its export and import activities before the U.S. begins enforcement again.
“CENTCOM forces will enforce the blockade on any vessels going to or from Iranian ports and coastal regions,” the command stated. “The U.S. military will continue to support shipping traffic in regional waters for all vessels that do not violate the blockade.”
This action marks the Trump administration's return to its strategy before the ceasefire, following days of increased military operations against Iran. Since last week, U.S. forces have conducted four rounds of strikes against Iranian military targets due to new attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has also reinstated sanctions on Iranian oil exports and declared the earlier memorandum of understanding effectively canceled.
Earlier on Monday, President Trump heightened tensions by announcing the blockade's restoration, stating that the U.S. would act as the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,” and suggesting a 20% fee on cargo passing through the vital waterway to reimburse the U.S. for providing maritime security. Details about how this fee will be enforced have not been provided by the White House.
“The process and formation will begin immediately,” Trump posted on social media.
JMIC Guidance
Operational details regarding the renewed blockade were shared in a new alert from the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC).
Starting at 2000 UTC (4 p.m. ET) on July 14, the blockade will apply to all vessels, no matter their flag, entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. JMIC noted that ships suspected of violating the blockade could be intercepted, diverted, or captured, warning that non-compliant vessels “may be legally forced.”
However, the advisory clarifies that the blockade does not affect neutral shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to destinations outside Iran. Yet, merchant vessels may have to undergo boarding and inspection to confirm they are not carrying banned goods or attempting to breach the blockade.
Humanitarian supplies, including food and medical items, will continue to be allowed after being vetted and inspected by the U.S. Navy.
Initial Blockade
The blockade being reinstated is similar to the one first put in place on April 13, when the U.S. began intercepting vessels going to and from Iranian ports as part of its campaign against Tehran.
During the first blockade, which lasted until June 18, CENTCOM reported redirecting over 140 compliant commercial vessels, disabling nine that violated the restrictions, and allowing more than 50 humanitarian shipments to pass.
The blockade was lifted on June 18 after the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum between Washington and Tehran, which led the U.S. to stop enforcement actions and declare the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial shipping.
Iran's Oil Exports
While the agreement was in effect for 26 days, over 80 million barrels of Iranian crude oil and refined products, valued at around $6 billion, were exported from the area, according to TankerTrackers.com.
The memorandum collapsed after Iran renewed attacks on merchant vessels earlier this month. The latest incident involved the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy, which left one crew member missing and the vessel disabled due to an attack while traveling east of Oman.
The blockade's reinstatement aligns with the international community’s emphasis on maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, the IMO Council passed a resolution affirming that transit through international straits should not be threatened or hindered and that passage through the Strait of Hormuz should remain toll-free in line with international law.
CENTCOM urged mariners in the Gulf of Oman and approaching the Strait of Hormuz to keep an eye on Notices to Mariners and stay in touch with U.S. naval forces on VHF Channel 16. Additional operational guidance for commercial shipping will be provided in a formal maritime notice.