The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that no vessels have ventured through the US Navy’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on its first day. CENTCOM noted that six commercial ships were directed by US forces to turn back to an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. This blockade aims to exert pressure on Iran, which has continued to export significant quantities of oil to Asia since the conflict’s escalation on February 28. Much of this oil has likely been transported via covert routes designed to bypass sanctions, which has become crucial for Iran’s economy.
In response to the situation, the US has mobilised around 100,000 personnel, including sailors, marines, and air crew, alongside numerous warships and aircraft, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. CENTCOM insists that the blockade will be enforced uniformly against vessels from all nations, whether entering or leaving Iranian ports, including those on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. While US forces ensure freedom of navigation for ships not linked to Iran, tankers approaching the strait reportedly turned around shortly after the blockade commenced, with one vessel reversing course to navigate the strait.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that Chinese tankers would be denied passage through the strait, asserting that this would obstruct their oil supply. China has condemned the blockade, labelling it as “dangerous and irresponsible”. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, the US military escalation and targeted blockade threaten the fragile ceasefire and increase tensions, potentially jeopardising maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz.
Furthermore, the US Treasury plans to reimpose sanctions on Iranian oil. These sanctions had previously been lifted to increase global oil supplies when Iran shut down access to the Strait of Hormuz. Now, the US government intends to apply “maximum pressure on Iran” through economic means, aiming to disrupt the country’s revenue streams amidst ongoing hostilities.
In summary, the US military blockade represents a strategic move to hinder Iran’s oil exports, intensifying the geopolitical tensions in the region while affecting global oil markets and shipping routes.