US Imposes Maritime Blockade on Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran-US Crisis

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced the implementation of a maritime blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, as per a statement made by President Donald Trump. CENTCOM stated that all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports would be blocked from 10:00 AM Eastern Time on April 13. A British government spokesperson said that the UK is working with France and other partners to form a broad alliance to protect freedom of navigation. According to American media, the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz is expected to begin in Pakistan Standard Time at 7:00 PM today. President Trump had previously announced the blockade, stating that the US Navy would immediately stop any ships coming out of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also said that the US would clear mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan stated in his statement that firing from the Iranian side is expected during the blockade. The new European law on food imports, which is set to take effect in Europe, poses a risk to the import of Pakistani food products, mainly due to the use of agricultural pesticides banned in Europe but allegedly still used in various countries, including Pakistan. In his statement, Trump claimed that Iran’s navy has been completely destroyed, with 158 warships sinking in the sea. Trump also criticized Pope Leo, calling him a “detriment to foreign policy” in a tweet posted at 9:00 PM. Diplomatic talks between the US and Iranian administrations, as well as between US officials and Iranian military personnel, are ongoing. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced that Germany will reduce taxes on petrol and diesel for two months to address the energy crisis caused by the war. According to US military officials, any ship entering or exiting the blockade zone without permission will be stopped, diverted, or seized. Following a statement made by US President Donald Trump yesterday, the US announced the implementation of a maritime blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, effective today. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that discussions between Iran and the US in Islamabad focused on negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that diplomatic efforts should not be left unexplored to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.