What is a naval blockade and how would it work in Strait of Hormuz?

BBC News
April 12, 2026
3 min read

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President Trump stated the US will blockade the Strait of Hormuz; the article explores what this means.

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President Donald Trump stated that the United States intends to begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz. This action would involve the US Navy restricting or preventing maritime traffic, particularly oil tankers, from passing through this critical chokepoint. A blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, would significantly disrupt global oil supplies, as a substantial portion of the world's seaborne crude oil passes through it daily. Such a move would likely escalate tensions in the Middle East and could provoke a military response from nations bordering the strait. The excerpt explores the practical implications and operational challenges of implementing such a blockade.

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