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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
The U.S. Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports is a military naval operation implemented on 13 April 2026 by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) under the orders of U.S. President Donald Trump. Under this operation, a blockade has been imposed on all vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf, primarily targeting the Strait of Hormuz and the Oman Gulf.
The blockade was declared following unsuccessful negotiations conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan, under Pakistani mediation between the U.S. and Iran. CENTCOM claimed that within the first 36 hours after the blockade began, all of Iran’s maritime economic trade was completely halted.
Iran stated that the blockade violated the existing ceasefire and responded by announcing it would no longer permit export and import activities in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime route through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s crude oil trade passes. The strait was effectively closed by Iran on 28 February 2026, following a conflict escalation initiated by U.S. and Israeli air strikes against Iran.
The closure triggered global price increases for essential commodities, particularly oil and fertilizer, directly affecting the economies of various countries. Prior to the blockade, Iran began demanding transit fees from vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Direct high-level negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, were conducted on 11 April 2026 in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, in talks lasting approximately 21 hours. The U.S. delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance, but the talks ended without agreement.
The central point of disagreement during the negotiations was Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump stated after the talks that Iran had refused to abandon its nuclear goals: “We obtained almost everything we wanted, except for their refusal to abandon their nuclear ambitions. But this issue is clearly the most important to me.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held the U.S. responsible for the failure of the negotiations and stated that the U.S. changed its stance just a few steps away from reaching an agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement following the negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, stated that Iran had not abandoned its nuclear objectives and declared that “the U.S. Navy will initiate the process of blockading all vessels attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz”.
U.S. President Donald Trump and his son Eric Trump, 11 April 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
In a social media post, Trump noted that the negotiations lasted approximately 20 hours from early morning until night and emphasized Iran’s unwillingness to abandon its nuclear goals. In this context, he stated: “The United States Navy will immediately begin the process of blockading all vessels attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz.”
Trump argued that Iran had promised to reopen the Strait of Hormuz but deliberately failed to do so, claiming this posed serious consequences for international trade and maritime security. He also drew attention to the risk of mines in the strait, saying: “They say they’ve laid mines even though most of their fleets and minelayers have been completely destroyed. But who would risk their ship on that?”
Trump asserted that Iran was failing to meet its international obligations, stating: “It would be better if they immediately began the process of opening the international sea route as they promised. They are violating every law in the book.”
The U.S. President announced he had ordered the U.S. Navy to identify and stop vessels that had paid transit fees to Iran, adding: “No one who pays illegal transit fees will have the right to safe passage on the high seas.” He also stated that mines allegedly laid by Iran in the strait would be destroyed.
Trump warned that any attack on U.S. vessels or “peaceful ships” would be met with a strong response, emphasizing that military intervention against Iran remained on the table. In this context, referring to Iran’s nuclear program, he stated: “But when compared to allowing such an unstable, dangerous, and unpredictable regime to acquire nuclear power, none of these other concerns matter.”
Trump characterized Iran’s refusal to allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz due to the alleged presence of mines as “blackmail”. He argued that the strait could be opened under controlled conditions but that Iran was obstructing the process.
Additionally, Trump claimed that Iran’s nuclear program had led to losses in its leadership, stating: “Many of their leaders have been killed because of their nuclear ambitions.” He indicated the situation could quickly escalate militarily, declaring: “The blockade will begin soon. Other countries will become part of this blockade.”
The U.S. President affirmed that the United States was prepared for all scenarios, asserting: “They will finish what remains in Iran” and reiterated: “Iran will never possess nuclear weapons.” He also noted that Jared Kushner, JD Vance, and Steve Witkoff had briefed him on the negotiation process and that the Pakistani government had thanked the U.S.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on 12 April 2026 that the blockade would take effect on 13 April 2026 at 10:00 Eastern Time.
The statement clarified that the blockade would be applied neutrally to all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Gulf.
CENTCOM stated that its forces would not interfere with vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from ports outside Iran. It also warned mariners to monitor “Notice to Mariners” broadcasts and to maintain communication with U.S. naval forces via bridge-to-bridge channels when approaching the Oman Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
It was reported that the U.S. deployed more than 12 warships and approximately 10,000 personnel to enforce the blockade against Iranian ports. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, in a statement on 14 April 2026, described the scope of the blockade as follows: “More than 10,000 U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force personnel, along with numerous warships and combat aircraft, are participating in the blockade. These forces are tasked with enforcing the blockade on vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, more than 15 warships have been deployed to the region.
One day before the blockade began, on 12 April 2026, CENTCOM announced the commencement of mine-clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers were assigned to this operation. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that U.S. forces had begun establishing a “new transit corridor” to be shared with the maritime community.
On 15 April 2026, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper publicly shared the results of the blockade since its implementation: “A complete blockade has been imposed on Iranian ports, and U.S. forces are maintaining maritime dominance in the Middle East. Approximately 90 percent of Iran’s economy depends on international maritime trade. Within just 36 hours of implementing the blockade, U.S. forces have completely halted all economic trade entering and exiting Iran by sea.”
The same statement noted that within the first 24 hours, no vessel had successfully breached the blockade and six commercial vessels returned to port as instructed by U.S. forces and re-entered an Iranian port.
Official statements and vessel tracking data have shown that some vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S.-imposed naval blockade. Vessel tracking data analyzed by BBC Verify revealed that at least four vessels linked to Iran passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade.
According to information reported by Anadolu Agency based on real-time vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic, a total of four vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz during the first 24 hours of the blockade, two of which were on U.S. sanctions lists:
1. Liberian-flagged dry cargo vessel Christianna – Passed through the strait at 20:16 Turkey time and unloaded cargo at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Port.
2. Rich Starry – This oil/chemical tanker, owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd and listed on U.S. sanctions, transited the strait but then turned around.
3. Murlikishan – Another tanker on the sanctions list, this Cook Islands-flagged asphalt/bitumen tanker transited from the Oman Gulf into the Persian Gulf and proceeded to Iraq.
4. Peace Gulf – A Panama-flagged medium-range oil/chemical tanker entered the Strait of Hormuz via the Oman Gulf and proceeded to the Hamriyah Port in the UAE.
Following the declaration of the blockade, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warning statements. The IRGC stated: “Any unaccounted-for movement will leave the enemy stranded in the deadly chokepoints of this critical waterway.”
The IRGC also indicated that any military forces approaching the Strait of Hormuz would face a strong response, while emphasizing that the strait would remain open to civilian maritime traffic.
The Hatemu’l Enbiya Command Center, responsible for Iran’s military operations, stated that continuing the U.S. naval blockade would constitute a violation of the ceasefire.
Commander Major General Ali Abdullahi declared Iran’s comprehensive response to U.S. actions: “If the U.S. continues its unlawful actions and seeks to create insecurity for Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers, Iran’s powerful armed forces will not permit any export or import activity to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea.”
Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi condemned the U.S. naval blockade, stating it would have negative consequences for the global economy.
In his statement, Bekayi said: “Can a war of illegal choices be won by choosing revenge against the global economy? Is it rational to cut off your own nose just to spite your face?”
Iranian Parliament National Security Committee Chairman Ibrahim Azizi dismissed the blockade attempt as “unrealistic and a bluff” and declared Iran would respond decisively: “This attempt is considered an act of war, and we will respond. We also have other cards we have not yet played.”
While the blockade continued, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated in his statements that negotiations could resume shortly. In an interview with the New York Post, he said: “Stay there (in Islamabad), because something could happen in the next two days, and we are more inclined to leave.”
U.S. statements indicated a willingness to restart negotiations, but no specific date for a second round was announced. It was suggested that Vice President JD Vance might lead the next round of talks, but no official schedule has been released.
The U.S. Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports is a military naval operation implemented on April 13, 2026 by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) under the orders of U.S. President Donald Trump. Under this operation, a blockade has been imposed on all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf, primarily targeting the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
The blockade was declared following unsuccessful negotiations conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan, under Pakistani mediation between the U.S. and Iran. CENTCOM claimed that within the first 36 hours after the blockade began, all of Iran’s maritime economic trade was completely halted.
Iran has stated that the blockade violates the existing ceasefire and has announced that in response, it will no longer permit export and import activities in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime route through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s crude oil trade passes. The strait was effectively closed by Iran on February 28, 2026, following an escalation of hostilities initiated by U.S. and Israeli air strikes against Iran.
The closure of the strait triggered global price increases for essential goods, particularly oil and fertilizer, directly affecting the economies of various countries. Prior to the blockade, Iran began demanding transit fees from certain vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Direct high-level negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, were conducted on April 11, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, over a period of approximately 21 hours. The U.S. delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance, and the talks ended without agreement.
The central point of disagreement during the negotiations was Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump stated after the talks that Iran had refused to abandon its nuclear objectives: “We obtained almost everything we wanted, except their refusal to abandon their nuclear ambitions. But this issue is clearly the most important to me.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, blamed the U.S. for the failure of the negotiations and stated that the U.S. changed its stance just a few steps away from reaching an agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement following the negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, declared that Iran had not abandoned its nuclear goals and stated that “the U.S. Navy will initiate the process of blockading all vessels attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz.”
U.S. President Donald Trump and his son Eric Trump, April 11, 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)
In a social media post, Trump stated that the negotiations lasted approximately 20 hours, from early morning until night, and emphasized Iran’s unwillingness to abandon its nuclear objectives. In this context, he used the phrase: “The United States Navy will immediately initiate the process of blockading all vessels attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz.”
Trump argued that Iran had promised to open the Strait of Hormuz but deliberately failed to fulfill this commitment, asserting that this situation has serious consequences for international trade and maritime security. He also drew attention to the risk of mines in the strait, stating: “They say they’ve laid mines in the water even though they’ve destroyed most of their ships and minelayers. They may have done it, but which ship owner would risk sailing through?”
Trump claimed that Iran has failed to meet its international obligations, adding: “It would be better if they started opening the international sea route immediately, as they promised. They are violating every law in the book.”
The U.S. President announced that he had ordered the U.S. Navy to identify and stop vessels that had paid transit fees to Iran, declaring: “No one who pays illegal transit fees will have the right to safe passage on the high seas.” He also stated that mines allegedly laid by Iran in the strait would be destroyed.
Trump warned that any attack on U.S. vessels or “peaceful ships” would be met with a strong response, emphasizing that military intervention against Iran remained an option. In this context, referring to Iran’s nuclear program, he stated: “But when compared to allowing such an unbalanced, dangerous, and unpredictable regime to acquire nuclear power, none of these other issues matter anymore.”
Trump characterized Iran’s refusal to allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz on the grounds of mine risks as “blackmail”. He argued that the strait could be opened under controlled conditions but claimed Iran was obstructing the process.
Additionally, asserting that Iran’s nuclear program had caused losses within its leadership, he stated: “Many of their leaders have been killed because of their nuclear ambitions.” Trump indicated that the situation could quickly escalate militarily, declaring: “The blockade will begin soon. Other countries will become part of this blockade.”
The U.S. President stated that the United States was prepared for every scenario, asserting: “They will finish what remains in Iran.” He reiterated: “Iran will never have nuclear weapons.” He also noted that Jared Kushner, JD Vance, and Steve Witkoff had briefed him on the negotiation process and that the Pakistani government had thanked the U.S.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on April 12, 2026 that the blockade would take effect on April 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
The statement clarified that the blockade would be applied neutrally to all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM stated that its forces would not interfere with vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from ports outside Iran. Additionally, mariners were warned to monitor “Notices to Mariners” broadcasts and to maintain communication with U.S. naval forces via bridge-to-bridge channels when approaching the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
It was reported that the U.S. deployed more than 12 warships and approximately 10,000 personnel to enforce the blockade against Iranian ports. On April 14, 2026, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated regarding the scope of the blockade: “More than 10,000 U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force personnel, along with numerous warships and combat aircraft, are participating in the blockade. These forces are tasked with enforcing the blockade on vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, more than 15 warships have been deployed to the region.
One day before the blockade began, on April 12, 2026, CENTCOM announced the commencement of mine-clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers participated in the operation. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that U.S. forces had initiated the process of establishing a “new transit corridor” to be shared with the maritime community.
On April 15, 2026, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper publicly shared the results of the blockade since its implementation: “A complete blockade has been imposed on Iranian ports, and U.S. forces continue to maintain maritime dominance in the Middle East. Approximately 90 percent of Iran’s economy relies on international maritime trade. Within just 36 hours of implementing the blockade, U.S. forces have completely halted all economic trade entering and exiting Iran by sea.”
In the same statement, it was noted that during the first 24 hours, no vessel had successfully breached the blockade and six commercial ships returned to port as instructed by U.S. forces and re-entered an Iranian port.
Official statements and vessel tracking data have shown that some vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S.-imposed naval blockade. Vessel tracking data analyzed by BBC Verify revealed that at least four vessels linked to Iran have passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade.
According to information reported by Anadolu Agency based on real-time vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic, a total of four vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz during the first 24 hours of the blockade, two of which are on U.S. sanctions lists:
1. Liberian-flagged dry cargo vessel Christianna – Passed through the strait at 8:16 p.m. Turkey time and unloaded cargo at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Port.
2. Rich Starry – This oil/chemical tanker, owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd and listed on U.S. sanctions, transited the strait but then turned around.
3. Murlikishan – Another tanker on the sanctions list, this Cook Islands-flagged asphalt/bitumen tanker transited from the Gulf of Oman into the Persian Gulf and proceeded to Iraq.
4. Peace Gulf – This Panama-flagged medium-range oil/chemical tanker entered the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf of Oman and proceeded to the Hamriyah Port in the UAE.
Following the announcement of the blockade, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warning statements. The IRGC stated: “Any unaccounted movement will leave the enemy stranded in the deadly chokepoints of this critical waterway.”
The IRGC also stated that any military elements approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be met with a strong response, while emphasizing that the strait remains open to civilian maritime traffic.
The Hatemu’l Enbiya Command Center, responsible for Iran’s military operations, stated that if the U.S.-imposed naval blockade continues, it will constitute a violation of the ceasefire.
Commander Major General Ali Abdullahi expressed Iran’s intention to respond comprehensively to U.S. actions against trade activities, stating: “If the U.S. continues its unlawful actions and seeks to create insecurity for Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers, Iran’s powerful armed forces will not permit any export or import activity to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea.”
Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi condemned the U.S. naval blockade and stated that the move would have negative consequences for the global economy.
In his statement, Bekayi said: “Can a war of illegal choices be won by taking revenge against the global economy? Is it rational to cut off your own nose to spite your face?”
Iranian Parliament National Security Committee Chairman Ibrahim Azizi dismissed the blockade attempt as “unrealistic and a bluff” and declared that Iran would respond decisively: “This attempt is considered an act of war, and we will respond. We also have other cards we have not yet played.”
While the blockade continues, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated in his statements that negotiations could resume shortly. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said: “Stay there (in Islamabad), because something may happen in the next two days, and we are more inclined to leave.”
U.S. statements have indicated a willingness to restart talks, but no specific date has been announced for a second round. It has been suggested that Vice President JD Vance may lead the next round of talks, though no official schedule has been released.
On April 15, 2026, Donald Trump made statements to Fox News regarding the current situation in Iran and the U.S. military and diplomatic efforts. Trump claimed that a new “regime” had emerged in Iran and stated that it was “more reasonable” than the previous administration, adding: “It is truly a new regime, and I believe we are doing very well.”
In the same remarks, regarding Iran’s military capabilities, Trump stated: “Everything has been destroyed. There are no air defense systems, no radars, no leaders.” He referred to the current leadership as a “new regime.”
On Iran’s nuclear program, Trump stated that no agreement would be possible as long as Iran continued pursuing nuclear weapons: “This whole issue is about the absence of nuclear weapons. They cannot have nuclear weapons.” He added that the U.S. would continue to oppose Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons.
Regarding the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said that anticipated reactions had been expected and that the operation was proceeding as planned. He noted that he had received no response from China or Saudi Arabia.
Trump also pointed out that if an agreement with Iran is reached, global oil and gas prices would fall, adding: “If we assume this issue (war with Iran) is resolved much sooner, perhaps even immediately, gasoline prices will plummet dramatically.”
On April 16, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Maria Zakharova addressed the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during a weekly press briefing in Moscow. Zakharova stated: “The ceasefire agreement must be fully respected to prevent a full-scale resurgence of tensions in the region and to create appropriate conditions for the negotiation process.”
Zakharova noted that no decision regarding the Strait of Hormuz had been adopted by the UN Security Council and continued: “The U.S. measures imposing a blockade must be considered unlawful under the United Nations Charter. Washington is interpreting international law according to its own preferences. This only increases tensions and leads to economic consequences. If the armed forces of Iran’s ports and coastal areas are indeed being blockaded, such actions clearly fall under the category of crime and aggression.”
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April 14, 2026
Background
April 14, 2026
Declaration of the Blockade
April 14, 2026
Blockade Operation
April 14, 2026
Parties’ Positions
April 26, 2026
Background
April 26, 2026
Announcement of the Blockade
April 26, 2026
Blockade Operation
April 26, 2026
Parties’ Positions
April 26, 2026
International Reactions