On Tuesday, following President Trump’s implementation of a blockade, U.S. destroyers intercepted two oil tankers trying to leave Iranian ports, instructing them to return, according to an anonymous U.S. official.
These vessels were departing from Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman when they were contacted via radio by a warship. However, it’s not entirely clear if multiple warnings were issued.
This development sheds more light on President Trump’s blockade, which aims to pressure Iran to lift its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for roughly 20% of global oil supply.
The intention behind the blockade is to compel Iran to agree to U.S. demands meant to resolve the ongoing conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel on February 28. One of these demands includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which is also a condition linked to a ceasefire with Iran that expires next week.
Experts are proceeding with caution. Noam Raydan from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy noted that tracking data indicated one of the tankers turned back after the blockade started; however, many ships transporting Iranian oil have been operating under the radar.
“We don’t yet know how effective it will be. It’s only been a couple of days,” Raydan stated.
U.S. officials confirmed that the two tankers were part of a group of six commercial ships that U.S. Central Command had directed to “turn around and reenter Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.”
Further reports from Central Command indicated that no vessels have crossed the blockade since it began at 10 a.m. Monday, Washington time.
This blockade involves a substantial military presence, encompassing over 10,000 U.S. troops, numerous warships, and various aircraft.
The U.S. military stated its support for maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, provided that the vessels are not linked to Iranian ports.
Trump’s announcement of the blockade came after weekend negotiations to resolve the conflict collapsed. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel but dropped on Tuesday amid hopes for another round of discussions.
If this strategy proves successful, it could diminish Iran’s bargaining power with the U.S. and facilitate the reopening of the strait for international trade. Yet, analysts caution that a blockade can be perceived as an act of war, necessitating substantial naval engagement.
This could also lead to renewed retaliation from Tehran, potentially destabilizing an already tenuous ceasefire.
Iran’s threats to maritime navigation have caused global oil prices to increase by about 50%. The conflict has reportedly resulted in around 5,000 casualties.
While numerous U.S. military actions have significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities, analysts argue Iran has solidified its position as a persistent challenge for Washington, with enhanced leadership and stockpiles of enriched uranium.
Raydan suggested that if the blockade continues successfully over time, Iranian retaliation is likely, particularly given past threats concerning Gulf states hosting U.S. troops and prior attacks on ships.
“We’re entering a critical phase,” Raydan remarked.
