U.S. Launches Strikes on Iran and Plans Blockade Restricting Iranian Ships from Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces launched additional strikes against Iran at 3 p.m. ET Tuesday, the New York Post reported, citing a statement from a U.S. combatant command. The strikes precede a naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

ET the same day. The strikes target Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping. Under the blockade only Iranian ships and Tehran’s customers will be barred from the Strait of Hormuz; vessels from all other countries retain fair use.

New York Post reported that regional sources described the blockade as the next step to increase pressure on Tehran. One official said targeting Iran’s economy does much more to move the needle than missile strikes. Ahmed Sharif Al Ameri told the New York Post that Gulf leaders view the reimposition of the blockade as a focused response to the party responsible for recent disruptions.

He added that the measure neutralizes immediate threats from the regime that has long used the chokepoint as a weapon. Brandon Daniels, CEO of Exiger, stated that U.S. military capacity and presence are required to keep the Strait of Hormuz operable in a contested environment.

EU, Middle East and Asia have told him personally that such presence is necessary. The blockade is retaliation for Tehran’s strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and failure to advance nuclear concessions. Iran regularly targeted vessels there during the prior U.S.

Blockade, which was lifted under a now-defunct memorandum of understanding signed last month. Maritime tracking data showed about 22 commercial transits through the strait in the 24 hours before the blockade. The Khor Fakkan Container Terminal lies in Sharjah Emirate along the Gulf of Oman near the strait.