US Enforces Massive Blockade on Iran’s Ports – Global Oil on Edge

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Trump Moves to Choke Iran’s Ports Without Closing the World’s <a href="https://bbg-news.com/brent">Oil</a> <a href="https://bbg-news.com/life">Lifeline</a>, CENTCOM Confirms

Starting April 13th at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will begin blocking all ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports, as authorized by a recent presidential order.

This rule affects all ships—no matter where they’re registered or who owns them—that are traveling in the waters around Iran, including its ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

U.S. to Enforce Blockade on Iranian Ports as CENTCOM Announces Maritime Clampdown

CENTCOM clarified that this action won’t disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels going to or from countries other than Iran, which is important for keeping energy supplies moving around the world.

CENTCOM announced that the naval blockade will apply equally to all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal waters, including those in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

From what I understand, authorities are promising to enforce this new rule fairly, and they’ll be giving clear instructions to commercial shipping companies through official notices beforehand. Basically, they’re trying to give everyone a heads-up and ensure things are done by the book, which is good news as an investor – less unexpected disruption is always a plus.

Ships in the Gulf of Oman and those heading toward the Strait of Hormuz are encouraged to listen for important maritime updates and communicate with U.S. Navy ships using VHF radio channel 16.

This action increases pressure on Iran at sea, happening as wider regional conflicts continue to cause problems for shipping and make global energy prices unstable.

Even though the Strait of Hormuz is currently open for shipping, limiting access to ports in Iran could worsen the country’s economic difficulties.

The US will completely block all Iranian ports, but will not restrict access to ports in other countries. This is part of a strategy to put maximum pressure on the Iranian government.

— Shandon Hart (@shandonhart) April 12, 2026

CENTCOM didn’t say how long the blockade would last, but promised to share more information as the situation changes.

As a researcher following this situation, I anticipate that shipping companies and energy traders will be watching closely as these new rules are put into practice. We’re likely to see immediate updates to how they assess risks at sea.

As an analyst, I’m watching insurance rates for shipments heading to the Gulf very closely. These premiums could easily change based on how strictly regulations are enforced, and, crucially, how Iran reacts to those enforcement actions. It’s a sensitive situation with potential for volatility in shipping costs.

The situation is still developing, and governments and shipping companies are waiting for more information from the U.S. Navy before the planned implementation begins in the coming days.

The Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Ghalibaf, posted that people should appreciate current gas prices, suggesting they will soon miss them, as prices are expected to rise due to what he called a ‘blockade’.

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2026-04-13 00:51