A naval interdiction of Iranian oil exports begins — Key Events — Iran–Gulf

What happened

Flows from Kharg Island are reported disrupted following the start of a United States naval interdiction of Iranian oil exports. United States Central Command reported redirecting over 140 ships and disabling nine vessels during the blockade.

A military measure, and deliberately not authored as a sanctions instrument: the restriction on who may buy Iranian oil and the physical prevention of its movement are separate mechanisms with separate remedies. The CENTCOM figures are self-reported and carried as such.

Confidence: Moderate

Whenmid-Apr 2026

Wherekharg-island-terminal

KindMaritime · Energy · Military

Confidence: Moderate Sources: Congressional Research Service — Iran, the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz · Established international media reporting Methodology Corrections

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Connected records

2 records that this event names, or that name it — every one an explicit reference in a published record, nothing inferred from subject matter.

Part of1

Campaigns whose record places this event inside them.

The 2026 warInterdiction and deepening disruption

Participants1

Organisations this event records, with the role and confidence it states.

US Central CommandParticipanthigh confidence

Where this fits

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