President Trump Extends Ceasefire with Iran Pending Unified Proposal, Maritime Blockade and Sanctions Continue

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. forces continue enforcement of the maritime blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas as the ceasefire remains extended until Iranian leaders submit a unified proposal requested through Pakistani officials.

U.S. Central Command reported 27 vessel turn-arounds or returns to Iranian ports since the blockade began. The Department of War boarded the M/T Tifani without incident.

On April 21 the Treasury imposed sanctions on eight individuals and four entities operating procurement networks supporting Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile programs along with blocked property of Mahan Air.

Maritime Blockade Enforcement Operations

U.S. forces continue radio hailing and direct turn-arounds of vessels attempting to access Iranian ports and coastal areas.

The Department of War boarded the M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. The Joint Maritime Information Center advisory reported mines in and near the traffic separation scheme and intermittent GNSS interference.

Assessment:The 27 vessel turn-arounds and M/T Tifani boarding took place around the April 21 sanctions and April 22 ceasefire extension.

These actions match the presidential directive to continue the blockade. Shipping has shifted south via Oman territorial waters in response to the naval presence.

Official Statements

• U.S. President Donald J. Trump (April 22 statement): “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal. I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

• U.S. Central Command: “Since the commencement of the blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, U.S. forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port.”

• Department of War: “Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran—anywhere they operate. International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels. The Department of War will continue to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain.”

• U.S. Treasury (April 21): “Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on eight individuals and four entities that operate multiple procurement networks supporting Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile programs and U.S.-designated Mahan Air. ... These designations support Operation Epic Fury and President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 directive to counter Iran’s weapons programs.”