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The naval blockade imposed by the United States Navy in the Strait of Hormuz has come into effect from 16:00 Albanian time. American and British authorities confirm that broad restrictions on maritime access have been imposed, directly affecting Iran's ports and coastal waters.
The UK Maritime Safety Organisation (UKMTO) said the measures affect all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. Neutral ships currently in these ports have been given a limited period to leave.
According to the UKMTO, the restrictions cover the entire coastline of Iran, including ports and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz. An official statement said that from 14:00 UTC (16:00 local time) on April 13, 2026, restrictions on maritime access to Iranian ports and coastal areas are in force.
" Transit through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations will not be impeded ," the UKMTO stressed, but warned that ships may face military presence, forced communications or screening procedures during transit.
The agency adds that "neutral ships currently in Iranian ports have been given a limited grace period to leave."
The US Central Command (Centcom) states that any vessel entering or leaving the blockaded area without authorization will be subject to detention, diversion or seizure. The measures apply without distinction to vessels of any flag operating in Iranian ports, oil terminals and coastal infrastructure.
The UKMTO stresses that the restrictions apply “without distinction to ships of all flags” and affect all maritime activity along the Iranian coastline. In the meantime, ships in the region are urged to maintain high vigilance, ensure maximum readiness and be careful in communications.
Centcom urges sailors to follow official "Notice to Marine" announcements and maintain contact with US naval forces via channel 16 during operations in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz.
After the blockade came into effect, US President Donald Trump issued direct warnings to Iran. In a post on social media, he declared that any Iranian ship approaching the blockade zone “will be immediately neutralized,” using the same system that, according to him, is used against drug traffickers at sea.
"The Iranian Navy is at the bottom of the sea, completely destroyed - 158 ships. What we have not hit are some of their smaller vessels, what they call 'fast attack craft', because we have not considered them to be a major threat. If any of these vessels come near our blockade, they will be eliminated immediately, using the same system we use against drug traffickers at sea. It is fast and tough. 98.2% of the drugs entering the United States by sea are stopped," Trump wrote.
Developments in the Strait of Hormuz significantly increase tensions in the region and add uncertainty to the security of maritime transport, at a time when this route remains one of the most important for global energy supply.
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