US Blockades Strait of Hormuz, Tankers Trapped

The United States has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz in another complication of the US-Iran War, but they are actively trying to secure safe passage for non-Iranian ships.

Iran was the first to shut down the Strait of Hormuz as the war started, preventing all tankers and ships from passing through one of the world's most crucial waterways. Once Iran began to allow more ships through the strait, the US believed it to be a good move, as the shipping of small amounts of exports could bring oil prices down. However, they have changed their approach– the US has retaliated with a blockade of their own, preventing Iran from selling any oil to other nations.

The ships currently passing through the strait provide a significant flow of cash into Iran, as they are now able to export oil to other countries, tanker-by-tanker. The US aims to put a stop to that by moving Navy vessels closer to the strait, and their forces are now instructing all Iran-affiliated ships to reverse course.

According to the US government, at least six ships have complied with orders to turn around, while at least 20 ships without ties to Iran have been allowed through the strait. Nevertheless, officials from the tankers and their respective companies have maintained that they have very little idea of the precautions that must be taken or what could be coming their way, making them reluctant to send the ships through at such a volatile time.

Meanwhile, the US and Israel are beginning to throttle Iran's economy in an attempt to force them to back down. Large-scale airstrikes are not taking place under the US and Iran's two-week ceasefire, but the blockade on Iranian oil tankers continues.

On the north side, Israel struck the crucial Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, located along the Caspian Sea. The port is the connection point for supplies from Russia – Iran's largest ally – and was thought to be out of reach for Israel, but it has been significantly damaged following Israeli strikes.

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Image credit to Reuters