The U.S. military has declared it will implement a full blockade of Iranian maritime traffic starting Monday at 10am Eastern Time, representing Washington's latest pressure tactic after intensive peace talks in Islamabad ended without agreement. U.S. Central Command confirmed the action would target all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman regions.
The announcement has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Crude oil prices jumped sharply—U.S. crude climbed 8 percent to $104.24 per barrel, while Brent crude rose 7 percent to $102.29—reflecting market concerns about further disruptions to energy supplies. The reaction underscores how fragile the global oil market remains amid Middle East tensions.
However, conflicting details emerging from Washington have created uncertainty about the blockade's actual scope. While President Trump previously threatened to close the entire Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM's statement narrows the focus to Iranian ports specifically, promising not to impede "freedom of navigation" for vessels transiting the strait to non-Iranian destinations. Analysts note this distinction could significantly impact implementation and international response.
The standoff reflects a deteriorating situation at the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments typically flow. Since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, traffic has slowed dramatically. Iran has maintained control of the waterway and has already floated proposals for establishing a toll system on shipping once hostilities cease.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps responded with a stark warning: any approaching military vessels would violate the existing ceasefire—scheduled to remain in effect until April 22—and "will be dealt with severely." The statement signals Tehran's readiness to defend its territorial waters and heightens the risk of unintended escalation in one of the world's most strategically vital shipping lanes.
Originally reported by Al Jazeera English. Rewritten for ABN12.