US military to resume naval blockade of Iranian ports starting July 14 | Today’s news
The United States has officially renewed its naval blockade against Iran, with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announcing that U.S. forces will resume enforcing restrictions on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports beginning July 14 at 4 p.m. ET. The move marks a sharp escalation in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with the two sides exchanging military strikes and vying for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed blockade comes after US President Donald Trump said the United States would ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping while imposing a 20% tax on cargo passing through the waterway.
CENTCOM resumes blockade
in the statement CENTCOM said its forces would enforce a blockade against all vessels sailing to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas.
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The US naval blockade aims to enforce restrictions on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports, respond to Iranian military actions, and ensure the security of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The reimposition of the blockade follows a series of Iranian military strikes against ships in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the US to take tougher measures to enforce control and protection of international shipping lanes.
The blockade allows U.S. forces to enforce compliance from vessels traveling to or from Iran while ensuring that commercial traffic from other countries can continue through the strait without restriction.
The US plans to charge a 20% fee on all cargo transported through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the fee is meant to cover the cost of ensuring maritime security.
Iran has rejected the US blockade, asserting its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and threatening military action against US forces if they interfere with its control of the waterway.
At the same time, the US military said it would continue to support commercial traffic in regional waters for vessels that do not breach the blockade.
The renewed operation follows an earlier blockade that ran from April 13 to June 18, during which CENTCOM said:
-Redirected over 140 compliant vessels
-Deactivated nine non-compliant ships
-Enabled the passage of more than 50 humanitarian aid vessels
The military also advised sailors operating near the Gulf of Oman and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz to monitor navigational warnings and maintain communications with US naval forces.
Trump declared the US the “guardian of the Strait of Hormuz”
Announcing the switch to Truth Social, Trump said Washington assumed the responsibility of protecting one of the most important maritime junction points in the world.
“The Strait of Hormuz is OPEN and will stay OPEN, with or without Iran. We are re-establishing the IRANIAN BLOCKADE,” Trump wrote.
He added that the United States would become the “guardian of the Strait of Hormuz” and charge a 20 percent fee on all cargo transported as compensation for ensuring maritime security.
In a separate interview with Fox News, Trump said the US was effectively “taking over the strait” and would be paid to protect commercial shipping.
The announcement came after Iran said over the weekend it was closing the Strait of Hormuz, sparking fears of disruption to global energy supplies and sending oil prices soaring.
Iran rejects the US claims
Iran quickly rejected Trump’s statement, insisting that only Tehran has jurisdiction over the strategic waterway.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to X by stating that Iran has always been the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Whoever provides safe and secure passage … should be compensated,” Araghchi wrote, adding: “20% is obviously too much. We will be fair.”
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command has also rejected any American role in managing the strait.
Spokesman Brigadier General Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that under no circumstances will Iran allow the United States to interfere in the administration of the Strait of Hormuz.
He further threatened strong military action against US naval operations that escort merchant vessels outside Iranian-sanctioned sea lanes.
Zolfaghari also warned Gulf countries that providing logistical support to US forces would be considered an act of war against Iran’s sovereignty.
UN opposes transport charges
The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) also opposed Trump’s proposal to collect transit fees.
The agency reiterated its long-standing position that there is no legal basis for charging mandatory tolls on vessels that only transit international straits such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Read also | US-Iran ‘in crisis’ MOU: Key disputes threatening temporary truce explained
The military confrontation is expanding
The naval dispute coincided with the biggest exchange of military strikes since the April ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
CENTCOM said US forces attacked submarine and ship maintenance facilities in Iran using one-way attack drones.
Iranian state media reported attacks on military posts in Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Abadan, confirming at least two deaths in Abadan.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded by announcing attacks on US military installations in the Persian Gulf, saying they were targeting:
-American installations in Bahrain
-Military installations in Kuwait
-Fuel and ammunition depot at Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base
Bahrain said its air defense systems intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones, while Jordan and Kuwait also reported defensive operations.
Ceasefire under increasing pressure
Renewed fighting has further undermined an interim agreement reached last month that temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz and suspended hostilities.
Trump said he now considers the ceasefire effectively over.
“We had an agreement. It was a done deal and then they broke it,” Trump told Fox News. “And so we’re going to hit them very hard.
Iran has also indicated that negotiations have reached a tipping point.
Senior Iranian official Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf wrote on X that “the era of unilateral agreements is over,” warning Washington to honor its commitments or face consequences.
Read also | Trump to address nation on Thursday amid escalating US-Iran tensions cargo
