US Warship Turns Back Iranian Oil Tankers as Hormuz Blockade Takes Hold

Washington — A US Navy destroyer intercepted and turned back two oil tankers attempting to depart Iran on Tuesday, a US official said, as Washington began enforcing a newly announced maritime blockade aimed at pressuring Tehran during ongoing conflict.

The vessels had departed from Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman and were instructed via radio communication to return, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. It was not immediately clear whether additional warnings or enforcement actions were issued.

The incident marks one of the first operational moves under the blockade ordered by Donald Trump, which took effect on Monday. The measure is intended to compel Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments.

According to the US military, no vessels have successfully transited the blockade since its implementation, with multiple merchant ships reportedly complying with instructions to return to Iranian ports.

The operation involves more than 10,000 US personnel, over a dozen naval vessels and dozens of aircraft.US Central Command said the blockade permits freedom of navigation for ships not linked to Iran, while restricting traffic associated with Iranian exports.

The strategy follows the collapse of recent negotiations aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran.Energy markets reacted sharply to the developments, with oil prices briefly rising above $100 per barrel before easing on expectations that diplomatic talks could resume.Analysts cautioned that the effectiveness of the blockade remains uncertain in its early stages.

Noam Raydan of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy noted that while tracking data indicated at least one tanker reversing course, monitoring Iranian oil shipments remains difficult as some vessels operate without active tracking systems.

Experts also warned that sustained enforcement of the blockade could provoke retaliation from Tehran, including potential actions against regional shipping or US-aligned states hosting American forces.

The blockade represents a significant escalation in the conflict that began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran.

While US officials say the campaign has degraded Iran’s military capabilities, analysts note that Tehran retains leverage through its strategic position along key maritime routes.