Desk Correspondent , Washington DC - The United States military, via Central Command (CENTCOM), announced a full maritime blockade of all Iranian ports effective April 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:30 p.m. IST), targeting all vessels entering or exiting Iranian facilities in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. President Trump ordered the move after Islamabad peace talks collapsed without agreement on nuclear curbs or ceasefire extension, aiming to choke Iran's oil exports 90% via sea and force concessions amid the expiring truce.

CENTCOM specified impartial enforcement against ships of all nations bound for Iran, while allowing free transit through the Strait of Hormuz for non Iranian traffic, deploying carrier strike groups and allies for inspections and potential seizures. Iran eased prior Hormuz curbs for India, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq, but the blockade threatens global oil flows, with Brent crude spiking 5% on news.

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi called it "economic warfare," vowing retaliation, as Tehran claims it was "inches from a deal" rejected over sanctions and Lebanon. Markets brace for disruptions, experts warn of 1979 style tanker war revival, urging swift diplomacy.