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The United States resumed its naval blockade of Iranian ports, oil terminals and coastal waters Tuesday after fighting escalated following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding reached last month.
U.S. Central Command said the blockade took effect at 4 p.m. ET and applies to all vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports, regardless of the country under whose flag they operate.
“U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas today at 4 p.m. ET,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
“There are currently more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East. American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready,” the statement continued.
The announcement came as U.S. forces launched another round of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
“The strikes are taking place as American forces prepare to resume the naval blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas,” the military command said.
CENTCOM later said U.S. forces completed a five-hour mission Monday night targeting military sites in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas.
“U.S. forces successfully struck military targets across Iran including Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas to further degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping,” CENTCOM said.
“CENTCOM forces employed precision munitions against Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities,” it added.
Iran responded with additional military action across the region.
According to Iran’s state-run Mehr News Agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck two “non-compliant” supertankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials also said missiles and drones targeted U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Jordan.
The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry said two Emirati-owned tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while traveling through Omani waters, killing one person.
Authorities in Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter, while Jordanian state media reported the country’s air defenses intercepted four Iranian missiles.
President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that the United States would expand its military campaign if Iran does not return to negotiations.
