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Trump’s blockade of Iran ports risks dangerous escalation cycle

While the U.S. is capable of enforcing a blockade, it would entail substantial costs and risks.

By The Japan Times

• April 13, 2026 at 7:51 AM

Trump’s blockade of Iran ports risks dangerous escalation cycle Photo: The Japan Times

A vessel sails in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman’s Musandam province, on Sunday
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President Donald Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran collapsed over the weekend risked widening a war now entering its seventh week, lifting oil prices and raising the prospect of further economic pain around the globe.The U.S
military said it would implement a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports at 10 a.m
on Monday Washington time, adding that it would allow other vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz if they’re not stopping in the Islamic Republic.Iran’s military on Monday called the move illegal and amounted to piracy.

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