13.04.2026 22:23
Following the United States' initiation of a full blockade on ships heading to and from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is of vital importance to global oil trade, has come to a near standstill. Experts warn that the price of oil per barrel could exceed $150, and with the start of the blockade, two tankers have turned back from the Strait of Hormuz, altering their routes.
Following the United States' initiation of a naval blockade targeting all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, two tankers near the Strait changed course and turned back.
US BLOCKADE OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ BEGINS The United States' blockade against all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports began today at 17:00 Turkey time. In a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), it was emphasized that the naval blockade would be applied "neutrally" against all vessels of all countries entering or leaving all Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
TWO TANKERS TURN BACK WHILE HEADING TOWARDS THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ According to data from the real-time ship tracking company MarineTraffic, following the start of the blockade, two tankers changed course and turned back while heading towards the Strait of Hormuz.
The Malawian-flagged, 188-meter-long oil/chemical products tanker named Rich Starry, which departed loaded from the Sharjah anchorage area in the Persian Gulf of the United Arab Emirates, turned back within minutes after approaching the Strait. The ship had departed from the Sharjah anchorage area today and had reported China as its destination.
Two tankers turned back after the start of the US blockade in Hormuz. The second tanker, named Ostria, flying the Botswana flag and 175 meters long, also changed course and turned back after approaching the Strait.
OIL FLOW DECLINES TO "A TRICKLE" Meanwhile, the blockade directly affected energy flow. According to CNBC's analysis, oil flow in the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to "a trickle" over the past month. This critical chokepoint, through which approximately 20% of global oil supply passed before the war, now faces a serious risk of disruption.
WARNING OF $150 OIL Experts warn that the crisis could deepen further. Trita Parsi, Vice President of the Quincy Institute, stated that oil prices could rise to $150 per barrel.
Ben Emons from Fed Watch Advisors said that rising prices for critical commodities like fertilizer and helium could accelerate global inflation.
TRUMP: NO DEAL UNLESS IRAN GIVES UP NUCLEAR US President Donald Trump continued his threats against Iran following the start of the ship blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, Trump emphasized that they would never allow Iran's nuclear program, stating, "Write this down; Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Otherwise, we will not sit at a negotiation table."
Trump stated that Iran had contacted them, saying, "They really want to make a deal." Trump continued his remarks as follows: "We have a blockade. They can't do any business. Iran cannot do business in any way, and we will keep it that way. There is no conflict at the moment. Yesterday, 34 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz."
"SHIPS APPROACHING THE BLOCKADE WILL BE ELIMINATED" Meanwhile, in a previous statement, Trump said, "If any of these ships approach our blockade, they will be immediately eliminated with the same destruction system we use against drug smugglers with boats at sea. It is fast and ruthless."
IRAN: WE WILL PLAY OUR OTHER CARDS Ibrahim Azizi, Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Commission, regarding the US attempt to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, said, "Perhaps we will play our other cards." In his statement, Azizi argued that US President Donald Trump's statements about blockading the Strait of Hormuz were "detached from reality and a bluff."
WHAT WILL THE US DO IN THE BLOCKADE? Shortly before the blockade began, the US military sent a notice to mariners in the region. The notice stated, "Any vessel entering or exiting the blockaded area without permission is subject to being stopped, diverted, and seized."
The announcement stated that the blockade would be enforced in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, and any vessel entering or leaving the blockaded area without permission would be subject to stopping, diversion, and detention procedures.
It was announced that the blockade would apply to all ship traffic regardless of flag, while emphasizing that neutral transit passages to or from destinations other than Iran via the Strait of Hormuz would not be obstructed.
It was announced that neutral vessels could be subjected to "visit and search" inspections to determine if there was contraband cargo, and that humanitarian aid containing food, medical supplies, and other basic needs would be permitted, subject to inspection.