The United States military has announced that it will begin a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports on Monday, following escalating tensions with Tehran.
According to reports cited by BBC and other international outlets, US Central Command said the operation will block all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports, with enforcement applied to vessels of all nations.
However, ships transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations will still be allowed to pass freely.
The move comes after the collapse of recent diplomatic talks between the US and Iran, with Washington accusing Tehran of refusing to compromise on key issues, including its nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump ordered the action, framing it as a response to growing regional threats and disruptions to global shipping routes.
The blockade is expected to begin at 10:00 ET (14:00 GMT), with further guidance to be issued to commercial vessels operating in the region.
Iran has reacted defiantly, insisting it will not “surrender” to US pressure and warning that any military escalation could provoke a strong response.Iranian officials have also signalled that foreign military presence near its waters could be viewed as a violation of ongoing ceasefire conditions, raising fears of a broader confrontation in the already volatile Middle East.
