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war

US orders naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with Iran

President Trump ordered US forces to block ships entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, citing alleged Iranian mines and illicit tolls, while allies weigh participation and legal experts warn of maritime law risks.

Apr 13th 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • President Trump directed the US Navy to block vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz and to clear alleged Iranian mines.
  • US Central Command said the blockade will be applied impartially to traffic to and from Iranian ports while not restricting vessels bound for unrelated locations.
  • The UK has said it will not join the blockade, though Britain and other partners have deployed mine countermeasure ships to the region.
  • US legal experts told the BBC a military blockade could violate international maritime law and might contravene the recent two week ceasefire with Iran.
  • Before the conflict about 20% of global oil passed through the strait and about 138 ships crossed daily, versus roughly 10 ships per day after the ceasefire and about 60 total since it began.
  • Analysts say the blockade aims to cut Iranian toll revenue but risks driving oil prices higher and escalating the conflict.

Sources