أمريكا تفرض حظراً على الموانئ الإيرانية

Amid expectations of a new round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in the coming days, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it will prevent entry and exit from Iranian ports starting this morning (Monday).

The U.S. Central Command stated in a message on its account on "X": "U.S. Central Command forces (CENTCOM) will begin implementing a ban on all maritime traffic entering or exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, in accordance with the announcement made by President Donald Trump."

It added: "This ban will be applied neutrally to vessels from all countries that enter or leave Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports located in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," clarifying that it will not obstruct the freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on their way to and from non-Iranian ports.

It noted that commercial ship crews will be provided with additional information through an official notice before the ban takes effect, urging all mariners to follow the "notices to mariners" and to communicate with the U.S. Navy via the direct communication channel with the command towers, number 16, when operating in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches leading to the Strait of Hormuz.

On another note, the "Wall Street Journal" reported that officials said a second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran is likely to take place within days, explaining that "the door to diplomacy remains open despite the sharp U.S. and Iranian statements."

The officials added: "Regional countries are racing against time to bring the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table."