According to a CNN report on April 15, the U.S. Central Command stated that a blockade of Iranian ports has been “fully implemented,” and within 36 hours it has nearly cut off Iran’s maritime economic lifeline.
U.S. Central Command Commander Brad Cooper said that about 90 percent of Iran’s economy depends on maritime transport, and that “all maritime trade entering and leaving Iran has been completely blocked.” The U.S. also emphasized that since the start of the blockade, no ships have successfully breached the restrictions.
Why are ships still passing? The blockade does not target the entire strait
Despite this, commercial vessels are still seen transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts note that this does not mean the blockade is ineffective, but rather that its scope is clearly defined.
According to the U.S. Central Command, the operation targets Iranian ports and related trade, not a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is an international shipping lane. Under international maritime law, blocking an international waterway is generally considered illegal, meaning third-party vessels not linked to Iran may still pass normally.
This explains how “blockade” and “traffic flow” can exist at the same time.
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Long-range interception: ships may still be targeted after leaving the strait
The report notes that even if ships successfully pass through the strait, they are not necessarily safe. The U.S. military has the capability to intercept vessels globally and can track and interfere with ships carrying Iranian goods at long distances.
According to CNN, former U.S. Navy Colonel Carl Schuster said the U.S. does not need to maintain a dense military presence in the Persian Gulf, as air, sea, and space surveillance systems allow it to enforce a blockade far beyond the Middle East.
The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War also noted that such blockades “have no clear geographical boundary,” and targeted ships may still be intercepted thousands of miles into their voyage.
Trump emphasizes ‘open strait,’ China factor enters discussion
According to The Independent on April 15, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would “permanently open the Strait of Hormuz,” and claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping was “very pleased” with the move.
Trump stated on social media that China had agreed not to provide weapons to Iran, and that the two sides were “cooperating well.” This statement is seen as sending diplomatic and strategic signals beyond the military dimension.
Meanwhile, Iranian media outlet Mehr News reported that Iran is considering using alternative ports to bypass the blockade. The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is also planning to deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, indicating that tensions continue to escalate.
‘Blockade’ and ‘transit’: overlapping rules, technology, and political narratives
The current situation presents a complex reality: on one hand, the U.S. military is strengthening pressure on Iran’s trade through technological and global deployment; on the other hand, the legal status of international shipping lanes prevents complete closure of maritime traffic.
Within this framework, the question of why ships still pass under a blockade reflects both international legal constraints and the modern shift in military blockades from “geographic control” to “global tracking.”
