Trump orders CENTCOM blockade of Iranian ports

As of yet the text of that proclamation has not been formally be published, though President Trump has posted a statement on social media. According to CENTCOM, the blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

How safe transit through the Strait is right now is very unclear. As we reported at the time, on Saturday CENTCOM said that its forces had begun setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations.

USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

This morning, CENTCOM said that additional information would be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade. All mariners are advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches. An advisory issued by UKMTO today said that “transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations is not reported to be impeded by [the CENTCOM] measures; however, vessels may encounter military presence, directed communications, or right-of-visit procedures during passage.

Neutral vessels currently within Iranian ports have been granted a limited grace period to depart, as will be specified in the NTM.

Earlier today, (Apr 13) before the imposition of the blockade, Windward AI reported: “Activity in the Strait of Hormuz remains irregular this morning. While we are seeing a slight uptick in movement with one oil tanker transiting and three vessels entering inbound, the corridor remains unpredictable. “A notable U-turn by an LPG carrier within the Strait highlights the continued uncertainty for operators, following a night with zero inbound transits.