A recent US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports has seen at least 14 vessels successfully traverse the critical Strait of Hormuz since April 13, 2026, according to Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group. This development casts doubt on the immediate effectiveness and clear direction of the US initiative amidst escalating tensions with Iran.
US Blockade and Iran's Stance
US President Donald Trump ordered the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran's continued refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions during peace talks. While several ships initially altered course, most resumed their original routes within hours, indicating uncertainty regarding the blockade's enforcement.
Kelly's analysis shows that of the 14 vessels tracked, six were inbound and seven outbound. These included tankers from the Lloyd's shadow fleet register, directly sanctioned tankers, and ships directly linked to Iran's oil trade. Notable examples include the Hong Kong-flagged LPG tanker TRIMMU 3, which turned outbound, and the sanctioned tanker ELPIS, whose change of course sparked speculation about interception attempts.
Conflicting Directives and Regional Fallout
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has clarified that the blockade is not intended to impede neutral vessels traveling to or from non-Iranian ports, such as those in Iraq, Kuwait, or the UAE. However, security risks continue to restrict overall shipping in the vital waterway.
Iran has vehemently condemned the US action, branding it as "piracy" and a blatant violation of its sovereignty. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning, stating that any military vessel approaching the Strait would be considered a ceasefire violation and met with a "severe response." President Trump has also instructed the US Navy to begin clearing sea mines, which the US alleges Iran has laid in the waterway.
International Response and Enforcement Doubts
The blockade has failed to gain broad international support, with several NATO allies, including the UK, France, and Germany, refusing to participate. These nations have instead expressed a preference for diplomatic de-escalation.
Martin Kelly further noted the lack of clarity regarding the blockade's operational details. "There is no real clear direction of what the blockade looks like. The location of US assets is unknown, and it is unknown where the interdictions will take place," Kelly stated. He speculates that any actual enforcement might occur farther out to sea, possibly in the Northern Arabian Sea, rather than within the confined waters of the Strait of Hormuz itself.