Global Trade Uncertainty Mounts as US Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports Begins

Tehran. The first day of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports has triggered significant uncertainty in global trade and transit. Following the collapse of peace talks in Islamabad last Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced a blockade on all vessels entering or departing from Iranian ports.

This move has drastically reduced maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. Shipping data indicates that only a minimal number of vessels have traversed the waterway in the first 24 hours of the blockade.

Prior to the US and Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, more than 130 ships passed through the region daily; that number has now plummeted. The US Central Command claimed via social media platform X that no commercial vessels breached the blockade on the first day. According to the Command, six ships were intercepted by the US military and directed back toward Iranian ports.

Despite the blockade, some vessels have continued to use the waterway. Three tankers linked to Iran crossed the Strait of Hormuz, though they were not headed for Iranian ports.

The Panama-flagged tanker Peace Gulf was observed heading toward the Hamriyah Port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meanwhile, the Chinese-owned vessel Rich Starry, which is under US sanctions, became the first ship to exit the Gulf region since the blockade began. The vessel, carrying 250,000 barrels of methanol, is operated by a Chinese crew.

China has criticized the US move, labeling it 'dangerous and irresponsible.' In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry warned that the US blockade would further escalate tensions in West Asia. However, China has not clarified whether its vessels are continuing to navigate the route.

Meanwhile, in a notice issued to mariners, the US military stated that vessels carrying humanitarian aid would be exempted from the blockade.