The US military has announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports starting Monday at 10am ET (7pm PKT), preventing roughly two million barrels of Iranian oil per day from reaching international markets. This move comes after weekend peace talks in Islamabad between US and Iranian negotiators ended without any agreement.
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US President Donald Trump stated that the Navy would begin blockading ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command clarified that the blockade targets only vessels going to or from Iranian ports and will not affect freedom of navigation for ships heading to non-Iranian ports in the region.
Impact on Global Oil Markets
Iran exported about 1.84 million barrels per day in March and 1.71 million so far in April. Blocking these flows is expected to tighten global oil supply significantly. Analysts note that more than 180 million barrels of Iranian oil are already loaded on ships, adding pressure to an already strained market.
Before the recent conflict, roughly 20 percent of global oil and natural gas exports passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with most cargoes destined for Asia. China remains the top buyer of Iranian crude, while India is preparing to receive its first Iranian shipment in seven years under a recent US sanctions waiver.
Risks to Shipping and Regional Stability
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely limited since the war began on February 28. Despite a two-week ceasefire last week, many tankers continue to avoid the area. Recent incidents include a tanker turning back near the Gulf of Oman and only a few supertankers successfully exiting the Gulf over the weekend.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that any military vessels approaching the strait would be seen as a ceasefire violation and met with a harsh response. Retired Admiral Gary Roughead cautioned that Iran could target ships or attack infrastructure in Gulf states hosting US forces.
The blockade adds fresh uncertainty to energy markets already watching developments closely in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.