U.S. Military Blockades the Strait of Hormuz: A High-Risk Economic Pressure Campaign

On April 13, 2026, the U.S. military began implementing a blockade on all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports, as a pressure tactic following the breakdown of negotiations in Islamabad, aiming to cut off Iran's oil exports to force it back to the negotiating table. The blockade targets only Iran and does not affect traffic to other ports.

The blockade has caused multiple impacts: the global energy market has experienced intense turbulence, international oil prices have rebounded above $100 per barrel, and oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted from 20 million barrels per day to between 2 and 3 million barrels; over 10k U.S. troops and more than a dozen ships are involved in enforcement, while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims full control of the strait.

At the same time, there is a clear division in the international community. NATO allies generally refuse to get involved in the blockade, and China's Foreign Ministry explicitly criticizes the move as a "dangerous and irresponsible act." Since it is difficult to completely prevent oil tankers that have already shifted to sea from passing, Iran's economic resilience may be higher than expected. Analysts point out that this hybrid strategy of "limited military confrontation combined with negotiations" aims to secure more favorable bargaining positions for all parties. However, considering Iran's sufficient anti-ship missile and armed fast-attack craft capabilities, any accidental escalation could shatter the already fragile ceasefire. #美军封锁霍尔木兹海峡