US blockades Iranian ports as Nato refuses to join

WorldPolitics
13 Apr 2026 • 10:37 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

US blockades Iranian ports as Nato refuses to join

  • The U.S. has initiated a blockade on all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) enforcing it in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
  • The blockade applies to all vessels, regardless of flag, and any unauthorized ship entering or departing the blockaded area will be subject to interception, diversion, and capture.
  • The restrictions encompass the entire Iranian coastline, including ports and oil terminals, though humanitarian shipments of food and medical supplies are permitted subject to inspection.
  • Nato and key U.S. allies, including the UK, have refused to join the blockade, as confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency.
  • President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. Navy would interdict any vessel paying an illegal toll to Iran, following the failure of high-level talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad.

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