U.S. forces will begin blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, CENTCOM says

The U.S. military will begin President Trump’s blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on Monday, according to U.S. Central Command.

While U.S. forces will be blocking ships to and from Iran, CENTCOM says they will not stop vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

“The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

The blockade is expected to begin at 10 a.m. ET.

“Additional information will be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade,” CENTCOM said. “All mariners are advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches.”