The U.S. Navy began enforcing a sea blockade of Iran on April 15. Warships intercepted and turned back commercial vessels attempting to depart Iranian ports. A U.S. destroyer interdicted at least two oil tankers leaving the Port of Chabahar, ordering them via radio to reverse course.
U.S. Central Command declared the blockade fully implemented after the first 36 hours. Naval forces halted all maritime economic trade from Iran during this period. The operation constricts supply from a region responsible for 20% of global petroleum transit.
Competing influences of supply disruption and diplomatic hopes are causing significant price volatility. Crude prices pulled back from recent highs following news of potential peace talks. The blockade enforcement maintains a major geopolitical risk premium across the energy sector.