US Military to Reimpose Blockade on Iranian Ports

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated once again. The US Navy has announced it will reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports. The US-led Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) stated the blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas will commence at 20:00 GMT on 14 July, or 03:00 WIB on 15 July. The decision has been approved by President Donald Trump. “US Central Command will begin enforcing a naval blockade against all Iranian ports and coastal areas,” a JMIC statement said, as reported by Al Jazeera on Tuesday (14/7/2026). “All neutral vessels are hereby warned and given time until enforcement begins to depart the blockaded area,” the statement continued. The blockade will encompass the entirety of Iran’s southern coastline, including ports and oil terminals. JMIC stated the measure will not impede neutral shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations, and humanitarian aid shipments will be permitted following inspection. “Vessels assisting other ships in evading the blockade by conducting ship-to-ship cargo transfers are suspected of cooperating with or acting on behalf of Iran, and will be subject to boarding and inspection. Enforcement actions include disabling and destructive attacks against vessels that fail to immediately comply with orders from blockade or inspection forces,” the statement added. The US and Iran have exchanged attacks since last week after previously agreeing to a ceasefire. Donald Trump has said his country will now charge a fee for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. “We’re going to be the guardian of the strait,” Trump said, as quoted by AFP on Monday (13/7). Trump stated this latest US military presence in the Strait of Hormuz will not be free of charge. He intends to collect payment from countries whose vessels pass through the waterway. “We’re going to be paid for guarding it. It’s a lot of money, but we just want to be reimbursed for all of this, for the risk and danger our people face,” Trump said.