US Navy releases new details of Donald Trump's plan to blockade Strait of Hormuz

The US President said US warships would "immediately" start "blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz".

He added the US Navy would also "seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran.

"No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas."

In an update just after 10pm BST, US Central Command (US Centcom), which controls operations from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia, confirmed details of the US President's operation.

The combat command unit wrote on X: "Centcom forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10am ET (3pm BST), in accordance with the President’s proclamation.

"The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

"Centcom forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

"Additional information will be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade.

"All mariners are advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact US naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches."

Despite the US President stating "other countries will be involved with this blockade", the UK will not be involved, it is understood.

A Government spokesman said earlier today: "We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is urgently needed to support the global economy and the cost of living back home.

"The Strait of Hormuz must not be subject to tolling.

"We are urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation."

The 29-mile-wide stretch of water is thought to be filled with Iranian sea mines, which the regime is no longer able to locate.

Despite the UK's lack of involvement in the blockade, it is understood UK mine hunting systems are already in the region.

A Downing Street spokesman said around 8.30pm: "The Prime Minister spoke with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, earlier this afternoon.

"The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and the importance of de‑escalation across the region.

"The Prime Minister stressed the need for a lasting ceasefire, with both leaders agreeing that any ceasefire must include Lebanon to support wider regional stability.

"They agreed on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade and energy supplies, and on the need to work with a wide coalition of partners to protect freedom of navigation.

"Turning to Europe, they underlined the importance of close cooperation between the UK, France and the EU in tackling shared challenges.

"On migration, the leaders discussed the importance of continuing efforts to reduce dangerous small boat crossings and tackle irregular migration, including through bilateral cooperation and work with European partners.

"They agreed to stay in close touch."