US Blocks Iranian Ports Amid Escalating Tensions

The United States reinstated its naval blockade of Iranian ports on July 14 after Iran's attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz starting July 7. This move reignited tensions across the Persian Gulf, ultimately leading to the collapse of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding signed June 17.

Since the reinstatement of the blockade, U.S. forces have redirected 20 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade, disabled two that didn't comply, and boarded two to ensure total compliance. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also imposed sanctions on several vessels that have transported Iranian crude and petrochemicals.

Iran's oil-laden tankers are currently clustering in anchorages along the Iranian coastline due to the U.S. blockade. At least 48 tankers laden with Iranian oil, primarily crude but also other petroleum products and LPG, are operating along the Iranian coastline.