Final Countdown: U.S. Blockade of Iran Set to Begin

Published on: April 13, 2026

With the 10:00 ET (14:00 GMT) deadline less than three hours away, the Persian Gulf is bracing for a significant military escalation.

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Table of Contents

Target: U.S. Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the blockade will stop vessels from all nations entering or exiting Iranian ports, including those on the Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
The Exception: The U.S. maintains that “freedom of navigation” will continue for ships traveling to and from non-Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian Defiance: Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated the nation would not yield to threats. The Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) warned that any military vessels approaching the Strait will be “dealt with severely.”

A war of words has broken out between the Vatican and the White House regarding the current trajectory of global conflict:

Pope Leo: Refused to engage in a debate with President Trump, stating he is “not a politician” and his sole mission is to “promote peace” and end the “madness of war.”
President Trump: Criticized the Pope’s stance, calling him “terrible for foreign policy” following the weekend’s calls for de-escalation.

While the blockade looms, active combat continues to intensify on the northern front:

IDF Operations: Israeli forces have reportedly surrounded Bint Jbeil, a key town in southern Lebanon, as part of their ongoing offensive against Hezbollah.
Hezbollah Response: The group confirmed it has launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli troops stationed within Israel.