U.S. Begins Maritime Blockade of Iran, Mobilizing Over 20 Warships and Hundreds of Aircraft

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

One hour before the start of the maritime 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. (Eastern Time) today, U.S. forces have resumed a maritime blockade on vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas."

It added, "Currently, more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are conducting operations throughout 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 robust combat power."

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

Targeting Iranian crude oil exports and maritime logistics, the move is intended to cut 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 maritime blockade took effect.

Central Command announced, "We have initiated additional airstrikes against Iran to continuously degrade its capability to use vessels to attack merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz."

The U.S. had lifted its maritime blockade of Iran for a period following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the end of hostilities signed with Iran last month, seeking nuclear negotiations and a de-escalation of tensions.

However, as Iran recently launched a series of attacks on merchant ships 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 has been escalating 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 maritime blockade and expanded sanctions.

With Iran also continuing retaliatory attacks against countries in the Gulf region where U.S. military bases are located, tensions in the Middle East appear to be rising further.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.