The United States naval blockade targeting all maritime traffic entering or exiting Iranian ports has officially commenced. According to information released by the Operative Information Center-OMM, the blockade is being enforced across all Iranian ports and coastal regions, including the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the maritime restrictions will be applied neutrally to vessels from all nations attempting to access or depart from Iranian waters. Data from MarineTraffic, a leading provider of ship tracking and maritime intelligence, confirmed that shortly after the mandate took effect, two tankers approaching the Strait of Hormuz were forced to alter their course and turn back.
The first vessel, the 188-meter Malawi-flagged oil and chemical tanker "Rich Starry", departed from the Sharjah anchorage in the United Arab Emirates fully loaded and bound for China. However, it reversed its course immediately upon approaching the strait. Similarly, the 175-meter Botswana-flagged tanker "Ostria" took identical action, changing its direction as it neared the restricted zone. These maneuvers follow the recent policy shift under US President Donald Trump, whose administration has intensified pressure on Tehran's maritime trade routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important chokepoints, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes daily. Located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, it serves as the primary maritime route for energy exports from the Middle East to global markets. The enforcement of a blockade in this region significantly impacts international shipping logistics and global energy security, marking a major escalation in regional geopolitical tensions.
