US Announces Blockade on Iranian Ports After Diplomatic Talks Collapse

Washington: US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US military's central command, has announced that it will impose a blockade on maritime activities around Iran's ports from April 13. This action is said to start at 7:30 pm Indian time.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade will “apply equally to ships of all nations”—meaning any ships entering or leaving Iran's ports or coastal areas could be stopped. It also includes Iranian ports connected to the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Will the Strait of Hormuz be completely closed?

The US Army has made it clear that those ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz which are going towards ports of countries other than Iran will not be stopped. That is, there has been no claim of completely disrupting international shipping.

However, mariners have been warned to keep an eye on official information and contact the US Navy if needed.

What did Donald Trump say?

US President Donald Trump said on social media that America will soon ban ships passing through Hormuz. They allege that some ships are paying “illegal toll”, which needs to be stopped.

One reason behind this step is also believed to be that some ships are transacting in Chinese currency Yuan instead of dollars, which is challenging American economic dominance.

Will this increase tensions with China and Iran?

Experts believe that this decision may further intensify America's growing tensions with both Iran and China. In recent years, both these countries have been trying to find alternative economic paths despite US sanctions.

What is Iran's reaction?

Speaker of Iran's Parliament Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf took a dig at this move and said that it could increase the prices of petrol in America. “People will soon remember the 4-5 dollars per gallon times,” he said.

Was there a recent conflict in Hormuz?

Iran claimed that its Revolutionary Guard warned the American warships and forced them to retreat. However, the US has rejected this claim and said that its ships proceeded on their mission without any hindrance.

What impact can this have on the world?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil routes in the world. If tension increases here or supply is disrupted, it can have a direct impact on global oil prices and inflation.