The U.S. Navy has deployed over a dozen warships to enforce a blockade on vessels linked to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Pentagon officials and maritime tracking data. The operation, which began early this week, targets both commercial and military ships entering or leaving Iranian coastal areas.
Analysts suggest the move is a response to recent Iranian naval exercises that included live-fire drills near the strategic chokepoint. “This is a clear signal to Tehran,” said a senior defense official speaking on condition of anonymity. “We will not tolerate disruptions to freedom of navigation.”
The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s oil shipments. Oil prices rose 3% following news of the blockade, with Brent crude reaching $92 per barrel.
Iranian officials have condemned the action as “illegal maritime aggression” in statements to state media. Regional allies including China and Russia called for de-escalation at an emergency UN Security Council session.
The situation remains fluid, with commercial shippers rerouting cargoes and insurers raising war risk premiums for Gulf-bound vessels.