The United States is set to reinstate its blockade on all Iranian ports at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday, a move expected to further strain Iran’s already weakened economy. The decision comes in response to Tehran’s attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and what US officials view as a lack of movement on nuclear concessions.
Regional sources who spoke with The Post on Tuesday characterized Washington’s decision to reopen transit through the strait for all countries except Iran as a necessary escalation aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran. One official said economic measures are “much more” effective in influencing Iran’s behavior than military strikes.
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Under the renewed blockade, Iranian vessels and countries doing business with Tehran will be barred from using the strait, while ships from other nations will be permitted to pass through.
How much maritime traffic will actually move through the waterway remains uncertain. During the previous US blockade on Iranian ports, Iran repeatedly targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz. That earlier blockade was lifted under a now-collapsed US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed last month.
With one hour remaining before the blockade was scheduled to take effect, maritime tracking data showed traffic continuing, with roughly 22 commercial transits recorded over the previous 24 hours.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
