Blockade of Iranian ports is ‘fully implemented,’ U.S. says

The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is now fully into effect, “completely” cutting off Tehran’s international sea trade that powers about 90% of its economy, the U.S. Central Command said.

“A blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as U.S. forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East,” said Brad Cooper, Centcom commander, highlighting that it was achieved under 36 hours of President Donald Trump’s order.

“U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea.”

According to CNBC maritime intelligence firm Windward identified at least two vessels that made their journey through the Strait of Hormuz in the first full day under active U.S. enforcement, including a U.S.-sanctioned Chinese-owned tanker, Rich Starry, that exited the Gulf on Tuesday.