The US has imposed a complete blockade on Iranian ports, international maritime trade, which provides about 90% of the Islamic Republic’s economy, has been “completely” cut off. This was announced by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“The blockade of Iranian ports is fully implemented. U.S. forces have completely halted maritime trade to and from Iran,” CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper said.
During the first 24 hours, no vessels managed to break the U.S. blockade, the command said. It noted that six merchant ships were ordered to return to an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman.
Two vessels “slipped through”
CNBC, citing data from maritime intelligence company Windward, notes that at least two vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on the first day of the U.S. blockade. One of them is the tanker Rich Starry, owned by a Chinese company and under U.S. sanctions, analysts said. According to the MarineTraffic service, it is now east of the Omani city of Al-Hasab.
It should be noted that the U.S. imposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on all maritime transport entering and leaving Iranian ports on the evening of April 13. The restrictions do not affect ships traveling to and from ports not belonging to Iran. The transportation of humanitarian cargo, including food, medicine and other essential goods, may be allowed subject to inspection.
In Iran, the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has been called doomed to failure.
