US military to begin blocking all maritime traffic to Iranian ports starting 10am ET Monday

The US military says it will begin blocking all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports from 10am ET today. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns any military vessel nearing the Strait of Hormuz violates the ceasefire.

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VIA CBC:

The U.S. says it will start its Strait of Hormuz blockade Monday morning, after Trump said it would take effect “immediately” early Sunday. U.S. and Iranian officials have been unable to reach a peace agreement after last week’s ceasefire announcement. 

Trump threat triggers Iranian response

Some ships reportedly made U-turns after Trump’s statement Sunday morning. The president said the U.S. Navy would blockade the strait “effective immediately” and begin stopping vessels that paid Iranian tolls and clearing reported sea mines. 

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps responded with a warning that any military ships approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be viewed as violating the two-week ceasefire and would be dealt with “harshly and decisively.”

CENTCOM says blockade will start Monday

Later in the afternoon, U.S. Central Command laid out a more concrete plan, saying it will implement a blockade at 10 a.m. ET Monday “of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports” and coastal areas — but will not block vessels that are transiting through the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

Peace talks faltering

Negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials have been faltering, with Iran saying the U.S. has failed to earn its trust and the U.S. saying Iran rejected demands to halt its nuclear program. Iran, along with most Western nations, has said a ceasefire needs to include Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have continued since last week’s announcement.