The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that it will reestablish the naval blockade against Iran starting Tuesday, July 14, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, following a direct order from President Donald Trump.
This action will impact all maritime traffic entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Gulf of Oman and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM clarified that commercial vessels adhering to the blockade rules will still be allowed to navigate the regional waters.
The decision to renew the blockade follows the collapse of a 60-day ceasefire agreement signed on June 18 and 19 in Switzerland, which involved Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with mediation from Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
The agreement unraveled after Iran targeted three commercial ships on July 6 and 7 in the Strait of Hormuz, including setting ablaze a tanker on July 7.
On July 8, Trump declared the ceasefire "over" during a NATO meeting in Ankara, simultaneously authorizing new airstrikes against over 80 Iranian military targets.
In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, leading to at least one fatality and 60 injuries, as reported by El País.
The announcement of the renewed blockade coincided with additional U.S. airstrikes against Iran. Furthermore, Washington revoked the license permitting Iranian oil sales, which was valid until August 21, intensifying economic pressure on Tehran.
The initial naval blockade was in effect from April 13 to June 18, 2026, following the breakdown of nuclear negotiations in Islamabad. During that period, CENTCOM redirected over 140 ships that complied, detained nine non-compliant vessels, and allowed passage for more than 50 humanitarian aid ships.
This first blockade involved more than 10,000 military personnel, over a dozen warships, and more than 100 aircraft, costing Iran approximately $400 million daily in blocked oil revenues.
The memorandum of understanding signed in June left eight critical points unresolved. The most significant issue was the duration of the uranium enrichment moratorium: Washington demanded 20 years, while Tehran proposed a period between five and 15 years.
All sailors operating in the Gulf of Oman and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz are advised to monitor navigational warnings and communicate with U.S. naval forces on channel 16 bridge-to-bridge.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic passage through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil flows, making the blockade a measure with significant global economic implications.
Key Aspects of the U.S. Naval Blockade Against Iran
Why is the U.S. reinstating the naval blockade against Iran?
The U.S. is reinstating the blockade after Iran violated a ceasefire agreement by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
What areas are affected by the naval blockade?
The blockade impacts maritime traffic in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz, affecting Iranian ports and coastal regions.
What measures are being taken against non-compliant ships?
CENTCOM will redirect non-compliant vessels and has previously disabled ships that did not adhere to the blockade rules.