The Trump administration has announced a major escalation in its conflict with Iran, with the US military preparing to initiate a naval blockade targeting all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade is set to take effect on April 13 and will apply to vessels of all nations entering or exiting Iranian coastal waters, including ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. However, ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations will still be permitted to pass.
This move comes after talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad failed to yield an agreement to extend or consolidate the fragile two-week ceasefire. Trump has also warned that vessels paying any tolls to Iran could face repercussions, while US forces are preparing to clear mines that are reportedly deployed in the strait.
Iran has responded with stern warnings, with officials stating that any approaching military vessel could be considered a violation of the ceasefire and met with force. Meanwhile, Iranian leaders maintain that they remain open to negotiations, but only under what they describe as fair and legal conditions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supply, as it handles approximately 20% of the world’s oil shipments. Any disruption risks exacerbating the economic shock, with markets already reeling from weeks of conflict.