US launch naval blockade of Iranian ports as oil prices spike

U.S. forces will begin implementing a maritime blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a post on X, CENTCOM said the operation will start on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, following a proclamation issued by the president.

“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports,” the statement said.

“The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” CENTCOM said.

At the same time, the command noted that U.S. military forces will not interfere with freedom of navigation for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz if they are traveling to or from non-Iranian ports.

CENTCOM also issued guidance to mariners operating in the region, advising them to monitor official Notice to Mariners broadcasts and to contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge Channel 16 while transiting the Gulf of Oman and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices spike as  US block Strait of Hormuz

Meanwhile, oil prices rose in early market trading after President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would blockade Iranian ports, and as U.S. Central Command announced the plans would start Monday.

CNBC reported the price of U.S. crude oil rose 8% to $104.24 per barrel. Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7% to $102.29 per barrel.

Brent crude has swung during the war, rising from around $70 per barrel before the U.S.-Israeli attacks started on Feb. 28 to more than $119 at times.

“We’re not going to let Iran make money on selling oil to people that they like and not people that they don’t like, or whatever it is. It’s going to be all or none,” Trump said on “Sunday Morning Futures.”

Similarly, Trump also said the U.S. would block “any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” in a post on Truth Social before adding that the blockade would be “effective immediately.”