In a major escalation of the ongoing crisis, the United States military has claimed that no ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz during the first 24 hours after the naval blockade was enforced.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade proved immediately effective, with maritime traffic coming to a halt in the initial phase. Officials stated that no vessel was able to cross the restricted zone during this period, highlighting the scale of the operation.
CENTCOM further confirmed that at least six merchant ships were instructed to turn back and return to Iranian ports after being intercepted by US forces. The blockade is being enforced by more than 10,000 military personnel, supported by warships and surveillance aircraft deployed across the region.
The move follows the collapse of high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran, after which Washington announced strict measures targeting Iranian maritime trade. The blockade aims to pressure Tehran economically by restricting access to its key shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, with a significant portion of global oil supply passing through it. Any disruption in this route has immediate consequences for international markets and shipping activity.
Despite US claims of a complete halt, some reports suggest limited movement of certain vessels under specific conditions, indicating that the situation on the ground remains complex and fluid.
Analysts warn that such a blockade could have far-reaching implications, including rising oil prices, disrupted supply chains, and increased geopolitical tensions in the region.
The development marks a critical turning point in the crisis, as military enforcement begins to directly impact global trade routes. The coming days will determine whether the situation stabilises through diplomacy or escalates further.