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Strait of Hormuz blockade and other major naval sieges in modern times ...
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway once carrying roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas, remains effectively closed after the United States and Iran imposed competing blockades.Naval blockades are one of the oldest weapons in warfare, requiring no ground troops or invasion, just the ability to cut off what an enemy needs to survive. These blockades have reshaped economies, societies and alliances across generations, sometimes with instant shockwaves, sometimes with effects only seen later.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Yemen reports hijacked oil tanker headed for Somalialist 2 of 4Syria becomes alternative energy corridor for oil as Hormuz effectively blolist 3 of 4Why are maritime laws failing to secure the seas?list 4 of 4Iran war: What’s happening on day 65 as Trump reviews new plan to end war?end of listFrom Israel’s ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip to blockades during World War I, here are some notable naval blockades in modern history:Israel’s siege of Gaza (2007-present)A view of the severely damaged Gaza City port as fishermen work under difficult conditions due to Israeli attacks, March 8, 2025 [Hamza ZH Qraiqea/Anadolu]Israel’s complete land, sea and air blockade of the Gaza Strip is one of the longest sieges in modern history.Launched in 2007, Israel has limited the entry of goods and essential supplies, causing a prolonged humanitarian and economic crisis for the Strip’s 2.3 million people, who cannot travel freely.Before Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza began in October 2023, fishermen were restricted to 6-15 nautical miles (11-28km) from shore, well below the 20-nautical-mile (37km) zone guaranteed by the Oslo Accords.After 2023, with Israel’s policy of starving the population, fishermen have taken extreme measures to feed their families, leading to many being killed by Israeli fire.Since 2008, several Freedom Flotilla vessels have attempted to break the Israeli blockade. Since 2010, all flotillas attempting to break the Gaza blockade have been intercepted or attacked by Israel in international waters.On April 30, Israel raided 22 out of the 58 vessels in the most recent Global Sumud Flotilla campaign in international waters more than 1,000km (620 miles) from Gaza.Blockade of Biafra (1967-70)Nigerian troops entering Port Harcourt, after routing Biafran troops during the Nigerian Civil War [File: Evening Standard/Getty Images]During the Nigerian Civil War, which began in July 1967, the Nigerian federal government imposed a...
How Long Can the US Naval Blockade of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz ...
Oil prices surge, shipping stalls as blockade tests war strategyLast updated: May 01, 2026 | 05:004 MIN READThis US Navy handout photograph released on April 21, 2026, by US Central Command Public Affairs shows Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy patrolling the Arabian Sea during a maritime blockade on April 15, 2026.AFP Dubai: Nearly nine weeks into the Iran conflict, Washington’s strategy has shifted from rapid escalation to a prolonged economic squeeze — raising a critical question: How long can the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz last, and is the war sliding into a “frozen conflict”?In effect, the Strait of Hormuz is no longer just a shipping lane — it is becoming a pressure point in a prolonged economic war.The strategy is clear: Inflict maximum economic pain to force Tehran back to the negotiating table without resuming strikes. “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing,” Trump said, adding that Iran’s economy was “in real trouble.”But the approach carries risks — both geopolitical and domestic.A war without an endgame?Despite early predictions the conflict would last just weeks, Trump has hinted it could stretch far longer, even comparing its timeline to the years-long war in Ukraine. That comparison under-scores a stark shift from expectations of a short conflict to the reality of a potentially prolonged standoff.How long can the blockade last?Weeks? US officials believe Iran’s economy could buckle within weeks under mounting pressure from blocked oil exports and financial strain. Months? The White House is preparing for a longer campaign, with President Donald Trump signalling the blockade could continue for months if needed. Not indefinitely Analysts warn neither the US nor Iran can sustain prolonged economic warfare forever without severe global and domestic consequences. Most likely scenario Experts point to a “frozen conflict” — a prolonged standoff with intermittent flare-ups rather than a clear end. What could end it? A diplomatic breakthrough, internal pressure in Iran, or a renewed military escalation.Analysts say the conflict is increasingly resembling a no war, no peace scenario — a state of suspended escalation where neither side backs down, but neither secures a decisive outcome.Qatar’s foreign ministry has warned against such an outcome, cautioning that a frozen conflict could turn the Strait of Hormuz into a recurring pressure point with periodic flare-ups, Al Ja...
Strait of Hormuz Disruptions US-Iran Blockades April 2026 - Maritime News
Last week, the Strait of Hormuz experienced significant maritime disruptions due to US and Iranian naval actions, such as vessel seizures and blockades imposed since April 13 as well as attacks on cargo ships. Diplomatic efforts continued with extension and negotiation efforts while limited transits occurred amid an heightened military presence - all impacting global energy markets negatively.
Blockade of a Blockade: As Tehran Menaces Strait of Hormuz, US Tightens ...
Blockade of a Blockade: As Tehran Menaces Strait of Hormuz, US Tightens Vise on Iranian Shipping Iran's hold on the waterway causes international pain while U.S. Navy's worldwide hunt for ...
