New Delhi, July 14 -- The United States has officially reinstated its maritime blockade on Iran, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) announcing that American forces will resume enforcing restrictions on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports from July 14 at 4 p.m. ET. The move marks a sharp escalation in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with both sides exchanging military strikes and competing claims over control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The renewed blockade comes after US President Donald Trump declared that the United States would ensure the Strait of Hormuz remained open for global shipping while imposing a 20% fee on cargo transiting the waterway.

In a statement, CENTCOM said its forces would en...