Trump Orders US Navy Blockade of Iranian Ports, Halting Oil Exports Through Strait of Hormuz

Blockade Announced

President Donald Trump announced a US Navy blockade of Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, 2026 [1]. The blockade aims to sever Iran's main source of revenue by halting its nearly 2 million barrel-per-day oil export trade [2]. US officials stated the goal is to strip Iran of leverage gained from its control of the Strait of Hormuz [3]. Trump framed the blockade as preventing Tehran from charging up to $2 million per vessel for safe passage through the strait [4].

Enforcement Begins

Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday that the US Navy would also begin destroying mines laid by Iran in the strait [5]. CENTCOM said the blockade would not affect vessels traveling to and from non-Iranian ports like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE [6]. The blockade operation began on Monday, April 13, 2026, announced with a notice to mariners [7]. CENTCOM said the blockade would be enforced in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, including the entirety of the Iranian coastline [8]. The advisory stated that any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture [9]. Maritime law experts said enforcement would rely on standard naval procedures known as the right of visit and search [10].

Immediate Impact

Within hours of the blockade starting, shipping data showed tanker traffic through the strait had mostly halted [11]. CENTCOM said on Tuesday that no ships had made it past the blockade, while six vessels complied with orders to return to port [12]. Trump warned Iran that its remaining fast attack ships would be eliminated if they approached the blockade [13]. Iran's main export terminal, Kharg Island, handles more than 90% of the country's oil shipments [14]. In 2025, Iran's oil exports totaled around $45 billion, or 13% of GDP, according to Capital Economics [15].

Iranian Response

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that if Iranian ports faced restrictions, no port in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe [16]. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament's National Security Commission, warned that Tehran was prepared to respond militarily if necessary [17].

China's Reaction

China has bought up 80-90% of Iran's seaborne crude exports in recent years [18]. On Tuesday, China's Foreign Ministry denounced the blockade as dangerous and irresponsible [19]. President Xi Jinping said Beijing was willing to play a constructive role in promoting peace in the Middle East [20].

What to Watch Next

The blockade risks escalating into direct military confrontation between US and Iranian forces, while global oil markets brace for supply disruptions. China's mediation offer may provide a diplomatic off-ramp, but with both sides hardening their positions, the immediate outlook is for continued tension and potential retaliation.