The US imposes an Iranian port blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, halting trade
The US has formally imposed a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, with CENTCOM reporting that economic trade has been halted and costing Iran $435 million daily. President Donald Trump emphasizes Chinese cooperation and upcoming talks, while Saudi Arabia fears escalation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and economic experts discuss the financial repercussions of the naval forces and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, noting record U.S. oil exports and significant economic pressure on Iran.
Iran is moving tens of millions of barrels of oil through secret offshore networks to circumvent new US blockade of its ports, maritime intelligence agency says Windward AI say.
The blockade, which came into effect on April 13, came amid a two-week ceasefire and failed peace talks between the US and Iran, and as President Donald Trump insisted, the waterway must remain open. About 20% of the world’s oil passes through it.
“As of April 13, at least 11 tankers carrying approximately 20 million barrels of Iranian oil are off the coast of Malaysia in a ship-to-ship transfer hub,” the company noted.
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A ship is seen transiting the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty Images)
“These ships are likely waiting for counterpart ships to unload or prepare for further movement.”
Windward also clarified that the concentration highlights Iran’s “continued use of offshore storage and transfer mechanisms.”
This allows Iranian oil flows to “continue beyond direct transit through the Strait.”
“Dark activity remains a central factor in ongoing operations, supporting both post-transit port visits and broader avoidance strategies,” Windward added.
“At the same time, Iranian oil flows are increasingly routed through offshore hubs, reducing dependence on direct Hormuz transit.”
US forces began implementing the blockade at 10 a.m. ET on April 13, after Trump promised he would “block all ships from attempting to enter or leave the strait,” following weeks of pressure on Tehran.
IRAN THREATENS TO CUT TRAFFIC IN THE RED SEA IN RESPONSE TO US MILITARY BLOCKADE OF PORTS
Fishing boats dot the sea as cargo ships in the background sail through the Arabian Gulf towards the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates, March 27, 2026. (AP photo)
“During the first 48 hours of the US blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports, no ships passed US forces,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
“Additionally, nine ships responded to instructions from U.S. forces to turn around and return to an Iranian port or coastal area,” CENTCOM wrote on X.
However, on the first “full day” of the blockade, April 14, under active U.S. enforcement, Windward noted ship behavior indicating “a fragmented and uneven response to the blockade.”
“Initial movements show a combination of continued transit, route deviations and potential evasion,” the company said.
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Oil tanker waits its turn to be loaded with barrels of oil in the Persian Gulf, south of Iran. (Farzad Frames/Getty Images)
“Sanctioned and false-flagged vessels continue to operate, with some transiting the Strait while others delay, turn around or adjust route patterns.
“Iranian oil flows continue through indirect distribution networks, with significant volumes accumulating offshore rather than passing directly through Hormuz.”
CENTCOM said the blockade would only apply to maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.
It emphasized that U.S. forces would not impede the freedom of navigation for ships transiting the strait to and from other destinations.
The blockade on the main trade route would be enforced “impartially” against all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, including those in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
To date, sanctioned and false-flagged vessels continue to operate under changing enforcement conditions.
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Rich Starry, a US-approved tanker of convenient size indicating loaded status, resumed outbound transportation after previously turning around.
Windward said the route did not follow the Larak Island corridor and was instead aligned with the alternative outbound path proposed by Iran.
At the same time, Murlikishan, a US-approved chemical tanker, was also observed traveling inland, Windward clarified.
