United States forces enforce maritime blockade on Iranian ports following failed negotiations

Apr 18, 2026, 11:43:44 AM UTC(13 hours ago)

Impact: Very High

Affected Assets

U.S. Central Command reported that 21 merchant vessels have been compelled to turn back toward Iranian ports since the blockade officially commenced on April 13, 2026.
The operation involves over 10,000 U.S. personnel supported by at least 12 warships and 100 aircraft, including the guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy and USS Rafael Peralta.
CENTCOM clarified the blockade specifically targets ships entering or exiting Iranian coastal areas while maintaining freedom of navigation for vessels transiting to non-Iranian ports.
Global oil prices have surged by over 40 percent since the start of hostilities, with analysts warning of severe economic impacts as Iran threatens to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed in retaliation.
Iranian officials have denounced the blockade as maritime robbery and announced that any passage through the region now requires explicit Iranian military permission.

CENTCOM: AMERICAN FORCES ARE ENFORCING A MARITIME BLOCKADE AGAINST SHIPS ENTERING OR EXITING IRANIAN PORTS AND COASTAL AREAS