Blockade Of All Ships Entering And Leaving Iranian Ports Begin Today – US Navy

The United States Central Command has launched a naval blockade of all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time today.

The operation follows President Donald Trump’s directive after US-Iran ceasefire talks collapsed in Pakistan. CENTCOM said the blockade will apply to vessels of every nation heading to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

US forces will not block ships simply passing through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations. Mariners have been told to watch Notice to Mariners updates and stay in contact with American naval units on bridge-to-bridge channel 16.

NaijaChoice News understands the move forms part of a wider strategy to pressure Tehran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The blockade aims to cut off Iranian oil exports without shutting down the vital waterway for other Gulf producers.

Global oil prices reacted sharply to the announcement. Brent crude rose roughly seven per cent to about $102 per barrel in early trading, while US crude climbed eight per cent to $104.

For Nigeria, the situation carries mixed consequences. As Africa’s largest crude exporter, higher world prices could lift government revenue and strengthen foreign reserves in the short term.

At the same time, the country still imports a large share of its refined fuel. Any fresh spike in global costs may push up petrol prices and add pressure on households already battling inflation.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministries of finance and budget, along with the Head of the Civil Service, to prepare measures that will shield Nigerians from the economic side effects of the US-Iran tensions.