US Naval Blockade of Iran; CENTCOM Operation Begins at 23:00 Tonight

Following the collapse of temporary agreements and the escalation of military conflicts in the region, the United States has officially announced the resumption of a naval blockade against Iran. According to an official statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation will begin at 16:00 Eastern Time (ET) on July 14, 2026, which is equivalent to 23:00 Turkey time [4][5]. This decision was made after US President Donald Trump called last month's memorandum of understanding a "failed experiment" and ordered the return of sanctions and military pressure [1].

Details of the Blockade Operation and Military Presence According to published reports, the US Navy has deployed 19 warships, including two aircraft carriers, the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS George H.W. Bush, in the Arabian Sea and near the Strait of Hormuz [1]. CENTCOM emphasized that any vessel attempting to enter or exit the blockaded areas, including Iranian ports and oil terminals, without authorization will be intercepted and seized [4]. However, it was stated that the movement of neutral ships traveling to destinations other than Iran will continue after necessary inspections [3].

Airstrikes and Escalation of Ground Tensions This naval blockade begins as the US military has conducted heavy airstrikes against positions inside Iranian territory for the third consecutive night. Reports indicate massive explosions heard in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Kish [2]. The Pentagon stated that these strikes aimed to destroy Iran's missile and drone capabilities, which pose a threat to commercial shipping [3]. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz would meet a decisive response and jeopardize global energy security [2].

Economic Consequences and Transit Tariff Plan One of the most controversial parts of the recent announcement is Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 20% tariff on all shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed that the US, as the "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz," should receive payment for securing this international waterway [1][2]. These remarks immediately caused oil prices to jump in global markets, with Brent crude rising to over $83 per barrel [1]. International organizations and the United Nations have warned of a total collapse of maritime security and an economic catastrophe [3].

Diplomatic Deadlock and International Reactions While Washington claims Iran has not adhered to its commitments in recent agreements, Tehran has described these actions as "naked aggression." Regional countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, have expressed concern over recent attacks on tankers and called for restraint from both sides [3]. With the official start of the blockade at 23:00 tonight, pressure on the global energy supply chain is expected to increase sharply, and alternative routes for oil transport will face serious logistical challenges [2][5].