Washington: The U.S. military is set to initiate a blockade of all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports starting at 10 a.m. Monday (Washington time), as announced by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday. This move aligns with President Donald Trump's directive, following unsuccessful peace negotiations with Iran in Pakistan over the weekend.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Trump declared that the U.S. Navy will enforce a blockade on all vessels attempting to traverse the vital Strait of Hormuz. This decision came after diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran failed to yield an agreement. The blockade will impact ships of all nationalities entering or leaving Iranian ports, including those along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM emphasized in a statement that while the blockade will be comprehensive, it will not obstruct the freedom of navigation for vessels traveling to and from non-Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz. Commercial mariners will receive further instructions through a formal notice before the blockade's commencement.

Mariners are advised to stay updated through Notice to Mariners broadcasts and maintain communication with U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when navigating the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches. This strategic blockade comes amidst Iran's use of the Strait of Hormuz as a pressure point against the U.S., contributing to increased oil prices and concerns of inflation ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November.

In addition, President Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to interdict vessels in "international waters" that have paid tolls to Iran, further intensifying the maritime security measures in the region.