Conflicting US statements cloud blockade details as Centcom differs with Trump

Conflicting US statements cloud blockade details as Centcom differs with Trump Conflicting accounts have emerged over a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz announced after peace talks with Iran failed, raising questions about its scope and legality. President Donald Trump said the blockade would target “any and all ships” entering or leaving the strait, but US Central Command (Centcom) said it would apply only to vessels going to or from Iranian ports. Centcom said other international vessels would retain freedom of navigation, a position that differs from Trump’s earlier warning that ships paying tolls to Iran could be interdicted. The military also said the selective blockade would take effect at 14:00 GMT on Monday, rather than immediately as Trump stated. https://t.co/YAFhMBm7hA April 12, 2026

Conflicting accounts have emerged over a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz announced after peace talks with Iran failed, raising questions about its scope and legality.

President Donald Trump said the blockade would target “any and all ships” entering or leaving the strait, but US Central Command (Centcom) said it would apply only to vessels going to or from Iranian ports.

Centcom said other international vessels would retain freedom of navigation, a position that differs from Trump’s earlier warning that ships paying tolls to Iran could be interdicted.

The military also said the selective blockade would take effect at 14:00 GMT on Monday, rather than immediately as Trump stated.