CENTCOM: US naval blockade on Iranian ports to resume

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the resumption of a naval blockade on all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, effective Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern. This follows an earlier blockade from April 13 to June 18, during which U.S. forces redirected over 140 vessels and disabled nine non-compliant ships, while allowing humanitarian aid. President Donald Trump stated that the previous lifting of the blockade was a “test” that Iran “didn’t honor the test,” calling the Iranian regime “extremely unreliable people.” Trump declared the U.S. would be “taking over” the Strait of Hormuz, acting as its “guardian.” He clarified that the blockade targets only Iranian ships or their customers, ensuring “fair and open use of the Strait” for other countries, but Washington will levy a 20% charge on all cargo, plus security costs.