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Why are some ships going through the Strait of Hormuz during a blockade?
🇪🇬 Egypt /Conflict & Security

Why are some ships going through the Strait of Hormuz during a blockade?

From Egypt Independent · (1d ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The US claims its blockade of Iranian ports is fully implemented, halting 90% of Iran's maritime trade within 36 hours, according to Adm. Brad Cooper.
  • Despite the blockade, some commercial traffic is reportedly transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint.
  • Analysts explain that the US blockade targets Iranian ports and associated cargo, not the strait itself, and can be enforced globally using modern technology.

The United States' assertion that its blockade of Iranian ports has "fully implemented" and effectively halted 90% of Iran's maritime trade in under 36 hours marks a significant escalation in economic pressure. Admiral Brad Cooper of US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated this achievement, emphasizing the swift impact on Tehran's economic lifelines.

An estimated 90 percent of Iran’s economy is fueled by international trade by sea. In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, US forces have completely halted all economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea

— Adm. Brad Cooper, Head of US Central CommandAsserting the effectiveness and speed of the US blockade on Iranian maritime trade.

However, reports of commercial traffic continuing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil exports, have raised questions. This strategic waterway, through which a substantial portion of the world's oil and Iran's own exports pass, remains open. This apparent contradiction is explained by the nature of the blockade itself.

Analysts clarify that the US blockade, while comprehensive in targeting Iranian ports and any cargo linked to Iran, does not physically block the Strait of Hormuz itself. International maritime law prohibits the closure of such international waterways. Instead, US forces are empowered to interdict Iranian-linked vessels anywhere in international waters, leveraging advanced technology for surveillance and pursuit.

The US blockade on Iranian ports does not have a defined geographic boundary, and the United States can interdict vessels almost anywhere in international waters until they arrive at their final port

— Institute for the Study of War (ISW)Explaining the extraterritorial reach of the US blockade enforcement.

This distinction is crucial. The US can enforce its blockade at great distances, far from the strait, demonstrating a sophisticated and far-reaching strategy. The ability to track and intercept ships globally means that even if vessels pass through the strait, they are still subject to interdiction. This approach allows the US to exert maximum pressure on Iran's economy without violating international laws regarding freedom of navigation in international straits.

Be careful not to interpret (blockade) too literally as a physical interdiction of the strait itself

— Bjorn Hojgaard, CEO of ship management company Anglo-EasternAdvising against a literal interpretation of the blockade as a physical closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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Originally published by Egypt Independent. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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