The U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz began April 13, deploying over 15 Navy ships, affecting all vessels entering Iranian ports.
The U.S. maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz came into effect on Monday, April 13, at 18:00 local Gulf time. According to reports in the U.S. press, more than 15 U.S. Navy warships have been deployed in the region as part of the operation.
It has been reported that the blockade will be applied 'neutrally' to all vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas. The implementation covers both Iranian ports within the Persian Gulf and those in the Gulf of Oman.
Traffic Outside Iran Will Be Exempt
The U.S. administration announced that there would be no intervention with vessels heading to or coming from ports outside of Iran. Accordingly, vessels navigating through the Gulf to ports outside of Iran will be allowed to proceed.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) will announce the routes and procedures to be followed through notifications to mariners prior to the operation. Vessels in the region are advised to establish contact with U.S. naval forces via Channel 16 while navigating in the approach areas of the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
Expectation of Asymmetric Threat from Iran
Experts suggest that U.S. forces involved in the blockade mission could be targeted by Iran using unmanned aerial vehicles, missile attacks, or fast attack boats. While many major naval assets belonging to Iran and the Revolutionary Guards are assessed to be out of action, the potential threat is expected to come from speedboats and small maritime vessels.
It is noted that the capacity of the U.S. to prevent and respond to such attacks is one of the fundamental elements of the operational plan.
Risk of Broader Conflict Persists
It is stated that the blockade is not expected to coincide with a direct large-scale air operation against Iran, but any incident that may occur in the field carries the risk of triggering a larger military conflict.
It is considered safer for U.S. intervention operations to be conducted outside the range of Iranian attack systems, in the more open waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Oil Flow and Mine Clearance on the Agenda
It is suggested that plans are being made to redirect oil shipments that have been halted or seized back into the market. The tanker named Rich Starry, which is on the sanctions list and linked to Iran, reportedly turned back without taking the risk of U.S. intervention.
Additionally, it has been reported that mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz are expected to commence in parallel with the blockade operation.
Threat from Iran to Gulf Countries
It is assessed that Iran may target critical infrastructure facilities in Gulf countries instead of responding directly at sea. Iranian state media stated that access to ports in the region would be 'either for everyone or for no one.'
It is expressed that Gulf Cooperation Council countries are increasing their preparations against potential attacks, while some regional countries view the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as an inevitable cost of this process.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
