### Lead:
The United States has initiated a maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports and vessels bound to or from them in the Strait of Hormuz, effective 14:00 GMT April 13, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Ships transiting to non-Iranian ports remain permitted passage. Separately, Pope Leo has reiterated criticism of war rhetoric invoking religious justification, while the Trump administration responds to unrelated drug-interdiction operations in the Eastern Pacific.
The United States has initiated a maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports and vessels bound to or from them in the Strait of Hormuz, effective 14:00 GMT April 13, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Ships transiting to non-Iranian ports remain permitted passage. Separately, Pope Leo has reiterated criticism of war rhetoric invoking religious justification, while the Trump administration responds to unrelated drug-interdiction operations in the Eastern Pacific.
### Body:
CENTCOM confirmed the blockade applies specifically to vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports. Freedom of navigation remains guaranteed for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian destinations, the command stated in an official release.
CENTCOM confirmed the blockade applies specifically to vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports. Freedom of navigation remains guaranteed for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian destinations, the command stated in an official release.
Pope Leo, in recent remarks reported by multiple international outlets, emphasized that “God does not bless any conflict” and cautioned against the misuse of religious language to justify military action. President Trump has publicly characterized the pontiff’s comments as “very liberal” but has not altered stated policy positions.
In a separate operational update, U.S. Southern Command reported that five individuals were killed and one survived during interdiction operations against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific. The U.S. Coast Guard has coordinated search-and-rescue efforts for the survivor.
Oil markets reacted to regional tensions, with WTI crude briefly exceeding $100 per barrel. CENTCOM advises commercial vessels to monitor official navigation warnings and maintain communication with maritime authorities.