US blockade on maritime traffic of Iranian ports takes effect

ALBAWABA - U.S. President Donald Trump said the military has started blockading Iranian ports in an effort to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and agree on Washington’s conditions to end the war.

"Two tankers turn away from Strait of Hormuz after US blockade begins", according to vessel tracker MarineTraffic, which made the announcement shortly after the U.S. Navy began its blockade.

It added, "The 188-metre tanker Rich Starry turned back within minutes of approaching the chokepoint. The vessel had departed Sharjah Anchorage on 13 April and was sailing laden, with a reported draught of 11.3 metres, while signalling China as its destination."

The second ship, tanker Ostria, also reversed course after approaching the Strait.

Two tankers turn away from Strait of Hormuz after US blockade begins

At least two tankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz shortly after the start of the US blockade, highlighting the immediate impact on vessel movements. According to #MarineTraffic data, the 188-metre… pic.twitter.com/dRNi7yEgJI

— MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) April 13, 2026

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency mentioned the U.S. blockade restricted "the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure."

It is worth mentioning that the blockade aims to economically pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global maritime traffic after its six-week closure, which caused global oil prices to surge. 

Iran and the United States agreed on a two-week ceasefire deal last week and agreed to hold talks to end the war in Pakistan. However, the first round of peace talks failed to reach a breakthrough, and both countries said they'll conduct a new round of talks, maybe by Thursday.

At least 40 ships have passed through since the start of the ceasefire, down from 100 or more per day before the war.