The United States initiated a naval blockade of all Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, 2026. This military action follows the collapse of ceasefire negotiations held in Pakistan over the weekend.
Global energy markets reacted with an immediate price surge. Brent crude futures rose more than 7%. The benchmark now trades above $102 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate jumped approximately 8%. WTI prices currently exceed $104 per barrel.
The Strait of Hormuz functions as a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil trade. U.S. Central Command clarified that the blockade targets only Iranian ports. The military stated the operation will not impede vessels transiting to other destinations. Hundreds of tankers are currently stranded in the region.