Iran Conflict: What is a Naval Blockade and How Will it be Enforced in the Strait of Hormuz?
Image source, Reuters
The US military has announced it will halt all vessels coming from or going to Iranian ports starting Monday.
Ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz from other locations will still be allowed passage, officials say.
Iran has been disrupting this crucial waterway for global trade following US-Israeli attacks.
Following the outset of attacks on February 28 and recent failed Iran-US negotiations over the weekend, President Donald Trump warned the US would impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump claims the talks collapsed because Iran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused the US of making excessive and illegal demands.
What Did Trump Say About the Blockade?
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social that all ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz would be stopped.
“I have ordered our Navy to stop any vessel that has paid fees to Iran in international waters,” Trump stated.
He also announced that the US would begin clearing explosives laid in the waterway.
Trump warned that if any Iranian forces attack US or peaceful vessels, they will be “sent to hell.”
While there could be eventual agreement on freedom of navigation, Trump stressed that Iran has allowed explosives to be laid in the waterway.
How Will the Blockade be Enforced in Practice?
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Initially, Trump stated the blockade would be implemented immediately but later told Fox News it would take some time.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade will commence Monday evening.
“The blockade will apply indiscriminately to all ships sailing from Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” CENTCOM announced.
Ships traveling from locations other than Iranian ports will not be stopped, and further details will be provided prior to enforcement, CENTCOM added.
Trump did not reveal the names of other countries participating in the blockade but confirmed the UK will not be involved.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said NATO is willing to assist in securing the region.
He added that minesweepers will be deployed to clear explosives from the waterway, with the UK contributing as a NATO member.
Previously, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed British naval minesweeping systems have been deployed in the area.
A UK government spokesperson said they are forming alliances with France and other partners to protect freedom of navigation.
However, three US legal experts have criticized the blockade as a violation of international maritime law, with one warning it could adversely affect any ongoing ceasefire agreements.
Why is the US Imposing a Blockade in the Waterway?
Due to its strategic location, Iran’s control and obstruction of the Strait of Hormuz during this wartime has led to global oil price spikes.
Iran currently allows passage only to vessels that pay hefty fees.
Now, Trump aims to cut off Iran’s revenue by enforcing the blockade, which may further drive oil and gas prices higher.
Speaking with Fox News, Trump stated that Iran should not be allowed to sell or restrict oil exports at its discretion. His position is to either keep navigation open to all or to stop all vessels.
Analysts suggest Trump’s remarks are an attempt to pressure Iran into accepting US terms.
Republican Congressman Mike Turner told CBS that a blockade could be an appropriate measure to resolve the Strait of Hormuz bottleneck.
However, Democratic Senator Mark Warner from Virginia said he did not understand how the blockade would effectively compel Iran to reopen the waterway.
What Will Be the Impact?
Shipping expert Lars Jensen estimates the blockade will initially affect only a small number of vessels.
“Even if the US implements the blockade, only very few ships are currently passing through. This will not produce a major overall change,” he explained.
Jensen noted Trump’s threat to stop vessels paying fees to Iran would have limited effect because the number of such ships is very low.
“First, very few ships are transiting. Even fewer pay fees to Iran. And those fees are subject to US sanctions regulations,” he added.
Many shipping companies are reportedly adopting a wait-and-see approach.
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty images
What is the Current Status of the Waterway?
The two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran signed on April 7 included provisions ensuring safe passage through this narrow waterway.
However, the Iranian military’s warning to destroy any unauthorized vessels led to minimal shipping activity in the first three days of the ceasefire.
By the evening of April 10, only 19 vessels had used the waterway.
Of these, 4 were transporting oil, gas, and chemicals, while the rest were bulk carriers or container ships.
Prior to February 28, the waterway averaged 138 vessel movements daily.
Additional reporting by Sarin Habeshian
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