US Starts Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports – Oil Jumps Above $100

What Happened Today The United States began a naval blockade of all Iranian ports at 10:00 AM Eastern Time on Monday, April 13, 2026. This move comes right after peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, broke down over the weekend with no agreement reached. President Trump directed the Navy to stop ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Iran quickly called the blockade illegal and threatened retaliation against ports in the Gulf region. This has raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Why This Matters – The Strait of Hormuz The situation puts the Strait of Hormuz in the spotlight. This narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints. About 20% of global oil supply passes throu...