0
0
The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is now fully in effect, effectively cutting off Tehran’s international maritime trade, which accounts for about 90% of its economy, according to U.S. Central Command on Tuesday, April 14.
In a statement posted on social media, Central Command said the U.S. has fully implemented a blockade of Iran’s ports and shipping routes.
“A blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented… U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea,” the statement read.
The move comes less than three days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the blockade, a step widely seen as an attempt to increase pressure on Tehran to reach a ceasefire agreement.
Trump issued the directive effective Monday morning, following weekend ceasefire talks with Iran that largely broke down. However, Washington has suggested that further negotiations may still be possible, especially as a fragile two-week ceasefire is set to expire next week. Analysts warn that the blockade could complicate diplomatic efforts and heighten tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed optimism that the conflict is nearing an end. Speaking to Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo, he said he believes the situation is close to being resolved.
“I think it’s close to over… I mean I view it as very close to over,” Trump said, according to Bartiromo’s post on social media.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump also told the New York Post that he expects U.S.–Iran ceasefire talks to resume within the next two days, following weekend discussions that reportedly failed to produce a breakthrough.
