US Imposes Naval Blockade on Iran

The United States has announced a naval blockade on all Iranian ports, with the US military stating it will take effect at 8 p.m. GMT on Tuesday.

• President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the blockade would begin "immediately."
• US Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins said US forces would begin implementing the blockade later on Monday.
• The US Joint Maritime Information Center said the blockade will cover the entire Iranian coast, including oil terminals.
• The center stated the blockade applies to all ships regardless of flag, does not hinder neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and will permit humanitarian aid after inspection.

Latest developments

• US forces have conducted targeted strikes on Iranian coastal defense, radar, missile, and drone sites in six regions including Bandar Abbas and Bushehr.
• The US used kamikaze naval drones for the first time to strike the port of Bandar Abbas during the operation.
• Over 50,000 US military personnel are currently deployed across the Middle East.