Why Ships Still Cross the Hormuz Blockade

Despite the high-profile U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, the Strait of Hormuz remains technically open to international shipping, leading to confusion about the operation’s scope.

Under international maritime law, the U.S. cannot legally close an international waterway to all traffic without committing an act of war against neutral nations.

Therefore, the blockade specifically targets vessels entering or departing Iranian coastal areas while allowing ships bound for the UAE, Kuwait, or Iraq to transit.

However, “open” does not mean safe; the presence of Iranian sea mines, the threat of Revolutionary Guard “tolls,” and the risk of being caught in crossfire have reduced traffic by over 95%.

While U.S. destroyers like the USS Michael Murphy are clearing paths for neutral commerce, the reality is a “psychological blockade” where insurance costs and physical danger keep all but a few vessels from entering the Persian Gulf.