U.S. Blockading Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports Along Strait of Hormuz

Latest Developments

• Blockade in Effect After Announcement: The United States began its targeted blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 13. President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to begin blocking “any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.” Earlier, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its “forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation.” CENTCOM clarified that its “forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.”
• Talks in Pakistan With Tehran Regime Break Down: The blockade was announced following failed negotiations between Iran and the United States over the weekend that were mediated by Pakistan. Vice President JD Vance headed the U.S. delegation, which included White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Before the negotiating team returned to Washington, Vance emphasized that the Islamic Republic chose “not to accept our terms” despite 21 hours of talks.
• Iran Defiant: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Trump’s announcement to impose a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz would not affect Iran. “If you fight, we will fight,” Ghalibaf declared, claiming that Iran had negotiated in good faith.

FDD Expert Response

“More than 90 percent of Iran’s $109.7 billion in annual seaborne trade transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also lacks any significant alternative trade routes. The U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will cost Iran approximately $435 million a day in combined economic damage. Being unable to offload its oil, Iran will be forced to shut down its oil wells, leading to permanent damage. The blockade makes continued resistance economically impossible.” — Miad Maleki, Senior Fellow

“The message to the Islamic Republic of Iran should be simple and clear: If you attempt to stop others from using the Strait of Hormuz to export oil and other commodities, you will not be permitted to benefit from maritime export either. Plus, why would we want this regime to pocket the associated revenue? It will continue to use the revenue to advance its nuclear, missile, and drone programs, export terrorism, and persecute the Iranian people. Washington should use any revenue from seized exports to help the Iranian people, not the regime that deliberately murders them.”— Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“The U.S. ‘blockade’ is not intended to close the Strait but rather to counter Iran’s extortion efforts. It is also likely intended to show the Islamic Republic that it does not hold the cards, thereby boosting the chances of a successful return to negotiations.” — Edmund Fitton-Brown, Senior Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“How to assess America’s 40 days of war against Iran,” by Cameron McMillan, Ryan Brobst, and Bradley Bowman

“The Islamic Republic of Iran Attacks U.S. and Allied Critical Infrastructure,” by Annie Fixler and Aarushi Garg

“Trump must secure Iran’s irreversible nuclear dismantlement or resume strikes,” by Andrea Stricker

“Washington Should Not Compromise — It Has The Upper Hand Over Iran,” by Mark Dubowitz and Ben Cohen