CENTCOM Announces Naval Blockade of Strait of Hormuz to Begin This Morning

WASHINGTON – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on April 12, 2026, that the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will begin this morning in response to Iran’s failure to reopen the critical waterway as required under the ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, CENTCOM announced that U.S. forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET. The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. CENTCOM emphasized that it will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

The announcement follows the collapse of direct U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 11. President Donald Trump had conditioned the two-week ceasefire — announced on April 8 — on Iran immediately and safely reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Iran has not complied, continuing to restrict passage despite the truce.

Trump responded on Truth Social with two detailed posts confirming the blockade and reiterating that Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions was the deal-breaker. He warned that any Iranian vessel or force interfering with the operation would be met with overwhelming force.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. Iranian forces have laid mines and positioned missile systems in the waterway since the conflict began on February 28, 2026, causing significant disruptions and driving up global energy prices.

CENTCOM did not release specific details on the number or types of warships involved, citing operational security. However, elements of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and dedicated mine countermeasures vessels are known to be in the region and are expected to participate in the enforcement effort.

The blockade marks a significant escalation following the breakdown of negotiations. The two-week ceasefire, which was set to expire on April 22 unless extended, now appears effectively over.

This remains a fast-moving situation. The Pentagon has not yet commented on potential timelines for the operation or rules of engagement, but officials have previously stated that U.S. forces remain on high alert for any Iranian retaliation.