United States to begin enforcing maritime blockade on Iran

The United States military, through the Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center, announces a comprehensive maritime blockade on Iran starting at 2000 GMT on July 14, 2026. The blockade covers all Iranian ports, oil terminals, and coastal areas, applying to all vessels regardless of flag. Unauthorized vessels face interception, diversion, capture, or force, though neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations remains unimpeded.

US maritime blockade on Iran

• ▪The United States Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center announced the blockade on July 13, 2026, with measures taking effect at 2000 GMT on July 14, 2026.
• ▪The United States military will begin enforcing a maritime blockade covering all of Iran's ports, oil terminals, and coastal areas on July 14, 2026.

Blockade enforcement measures

• ▪Vessels suspected of entering or departing the blockaded Iranian area without authorization are subject to interception, diversion, capture, and the legal use of force.
• ▪Neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz heading to or from non-Iranian destinations will not be impeded by the United States military blockade.
• ▪The maritime blockade restrictions will apply to all vessel traffic attempting to access Iran, regardless of the flag the vessel flies.

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