US to blockade Strait of Hormuz; oil tankers reroute to avoid
Following the breakdown of US-Iran ceasefire talks, the US announced it would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz tonight at 10 PM. Consequently, recent shipping data indicates that oil tankers from various countries are either rushing to pass through the strait before the blockade or rerouting to avoid this critical waterway. The US Central Command stated that the blockade would target all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports and would issue a formal navigation notice to civilian shipping.
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- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 12:38
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 12:51 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 19:14 (54h 23m after Collected)
Singapore, April 13 (CNA) – Following the breakdown of US-Iran ceasefire talks, the United States is scheduled to begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz tonight at 10 PM. The latest shipping data shows that oil tankers from various countries are rushing to pass through before the blockade or rerouting to avoid this critical waterway.
Reuters reported that US President Donald Trump announced yesterday that the US Navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz, further jeopardizing the already fragile two-week ceasefire agreement.
According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and energy market intelligence firm Kpler, Pakistani-flagged oil tankers "Shalamar" and "Khairpur" had already entered the Persian Gulf yesterday and are heading to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, respectively, today to load crude oil and petroleum products.
The data also shows that the Liberian-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) "Mombasa B" also passed through the Strait of Hormuz earlier yesterday and is currently sailing empty in the Persian Gulf.
In addition, the Maltese-flagged VLCC "Agios Fanourios I" attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, originally destined for Iraq to load crude oil, but has since turned back and is currently anchored in the Gulf of Oman.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated yesterday that the US military would implement a blockade on all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports starting at 10 AM EDT on April 13 (10 PM Taiwan time on April 13). "This blockade will be enforced indiscriminately against all national vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman."
The US currently officially refers to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf.
The statement mentioned that the US military would not impede the freedom of navigation for vessels traveling to and from non-Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz and would issue a formal navigation notice before the blockade begins to inform civilian shipping of the relevant details.
Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards stated yesterday that any military vessel attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement and would be dealt with severely and decisively. (Compiler: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150413
Reuters reported that US President Donald Trump announced yesterday that the US Navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz, further jeopardizing the already fragile two-week ceasefire agreement.
According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and energy market intelligence firm Kpler, Pakistani-flagged oil tankers "Shalamar" and "Khairpur" had already entered the Persian Gulf yesterday and are heading to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, respectively, today to load crude oil and petroleum products.
The data also shows that the Liberian-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) "Mombasa B" also passed through the Strait of Hormuz earlier yesterday and is currently sailing empty in the Persian Gulf.
In addition, the Maltese-flagged VLCC "Agios Fanourios I" attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, originally destined for Iraq to load crude oil, but has since turned back and is currently anchored in the Gulf of Oman.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated yesterday that the US military would implement a blockade on all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports starting at 10 AM EDT on April 13 (10 PM Taiwan time on April 13). "This blockade will be enforced indiscriminately against all national vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman."
The US currently officially refers to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf.
The statement mentioned that the US military would not impede the freedom of navigation for vessels traveling to and from non-Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz and would issue a formal navigation notice before the blockade begins to inform civilian shipping of the relevant details.
Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards stated yesterday that any military vessel attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement and would be dealt with severely and decisively. (Compiler: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150413
FAQ
When will the US begin its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz?
The US is scheduled to begin its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz tonight at 10 PM (Taiwan time).
What types of vessels will be subject to the blockade?
All maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports will be subject to the blockade.