politics

April 15, 2026

IN BRIEF: What we know about situation around US blockade of Hormuz Strait

Baghdad Today reported that Iran had anticipated a US blockade of its ports and therefore moved dozens of oil-laden tankers out to sea in advance

IN BRIEF: What we know about situation around US blockade of Hormuz Strait

TL;DR

  • The Rich Starry, a Chinese-linked tanker under US sanctions, passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The container ship Shabdis, possibly under US sanctions, departed from Iran's Chabahar port.
  • Iran moved dozens of oil-laden tankers to sea in anticipation of a US blockade, creating 'sea storage facilities' estimated at 170 million barrels.
  • The International Maritime Organization stated no country has the right to block international sea routes.
  • China criticized the US blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible.'
  • The UKMTO confirmed being informed of the blockade, stating it applies to vessels engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or facilities.
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its strike group are in the Gulf of Oman, approximately 200 km south of the Iranian coast.
  • The US has deployed over 15 warships to enforce the blockade.
  • US President Donald Trump stated the blockade aims to bring Iran to negotiations and warned that the US will destroy Iranian ships attempting to break it.

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