U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports takes effect; tankers turn back from Hormuz

The U.S. blockade of all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports began at 10 a.m. EDT; CENTCOM told mariners that vessels entering or leaving the blockaded area without authorization faced interception, diversion and capture. Trump warned Iranian fast-attack boats approaching the blockade would be “immediately eliminated,” Iran’s armed forces called it illegal “piracy,” and MarineTraffic showed at least two tankers, Rich Starry and Ostria, turning back.