US Central Command Imposes Ban on Maritime Traffic to/from Iranian Ports

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced the implementation of a comprehensive ban on all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports, effective April 13th at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, pursuant to a presidential declaration.

This measure, which will be applied neutrally to vessels of all nations, will encompass all Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those situated on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM has affirmed that it will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz en route to or from non-Iranian ports.

Commercial vessel crews will be provided with additional details via official notification prior to the ban's commencement. All mariners are advised to monitor "Notices to Mariners" and to communicate with U.S. naval forces via the direct communication channel with "Command Towers" on channel 16, particularly when operating in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.