In a dramatic military escalation, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it has begun blocking all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, effective from 10 AM ET (14:00 GMT) on April 13, 2026. The move follows the collapse of the 21-hour US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad and comes as President Trump’s order to “blockade” the Strait of Hormuz is now being put into action.
CENTCOM posted on X: “In accordance with the President’s order, we will implement a maritime blockade of all vessel traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, beginning April 13 at 10 AM Eastern Time.”
Iran has responded with defiance. The Iranian Deputy Parliament Speaker declared the Strait of Hormuz a “red line” and warned that passage fees must be paid in Iranian rials. Iran’s parliament speaker Ghalibaf, back in Tehran after the failed talks, said bluntly: “If they fight, we will fight.”
Japan and Australia have already refused to send naval forces to support the US blockade — a sign that Washington may have to act largely alone. Meanwhile, Iran has warned that the blockade will cause oil prices to surge even higher — a warning already playing out in global markets.
The fragile two-week ceasefire — valid until April 22 — is now under extreme strain. With no US negotiators remaining in Pakistan for back-channel talks, the world is watching whether the next 10 days bring peace or a return to full-scale war.
Oil prices surged over 8% as crude touched $103 per barrel following the blockade announcement. UAE and Qatar flights to India continue normally. The world waits for Iran’s next move.
