U.S. Begins Naval Blockade of Iran, Deploying Over 20 Warships and Hundreds of Aircraft

▲ Strait of Hormuz, vessels

The United States resumed its naval blockade of Iran effective 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 14 (5:00 a.m. KST on July 15).

One hour prior to the start of the blockade, the U.S. also launched additional airstrikes against Iran.

The U.S. Central Command announced via X on this day, "As of 4:00 p.m. (ET) today, U.S. forces have resumed a naval blockade on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas."

It added, "Currently, more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are conducting operations across the Middle East."

Central Command explained, "U.S. forces remain in a high state of readiness and are prepared to respond at any time with powerful combat capabilities."

The naval blockade of Iran is a measure intended to pressure Iran's financial lifelines by blocking the entry and exit of all vessels to and from Iranian ports.

The move targets Iranian crude oil exports and maritime logistics, with the intention of cutting off Iran's primary sources of foreign currency revenue.

Central Command stated that it began additional airstrikes against Iran at 3:00 p.m. on this day, one hour before the naval blockade commenced.

Central Command stated, "We have initiated additional airstrikes against Iran to continuously degrade its capabilities used to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz."

Following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the end of hostilities signed with Iran last month, the U.S. had lifted the naval blockade for a period to pursue nuclear negotiations and de-escalation.

However, as Iran recently launched a series of attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. criticized the actions as a violation of the MOU, declared an end to the truce, and is now increasing the level of its military response.

In particular, the U.S. is simultaneously pressuring both Iran's military activities and its financial foundation by combining airstrikes with the naval blockade and expanded sanctions.

Iran is also continuing retaliatory attacks against countries in the Gulf region that host U.S. military bases, further heightening tensions in the Middle East.

※