The American military operation for the naval blockade of the more than 15 warships already deployed in the wider area seems to be in full swing, according to a senior American official.
As the WSJ reports, the operation is supported by an aircraft carrier, multiple destroyers, a landing ship and other naval units located in the Middle East, Navy and Central Command (CENTCOM) officials confirm. These ships have the ability to deploy helicopters for boarding operations, while some can direct commercial ships.
At the same time, a directive to seafarers from UK Maritime Trade Operations, which is linked to the British Navy, confirms that restrictions on navigation are already in place for Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and parts of the Arabian Sea.
“Blocks take time”
According to military analysts, US warships are expected to operate mainly outside the Strait of Hormuz in order to reduce the risk of attacks by Iran. Retired US Navy Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan believes the blockade will be implemented gradually.
“There are many ways to set up such an operation and there are already enough boarding forces in the region,” he noted, adding that “it should not be expected to be fully implemented from the first moment, blockades take time to have a meaningful impact.”
Soaring oil, aluminum
The blockade is causing serious shocks to the global economy, which is already being tested by weeks of war.
The disruption of shipping to and from Iranian ports is expected to further reduce oil supply in an already stressed market, while also affecting other key raw materials passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rose, while aluminum jumped to a four-year high on fears of prolonged shortages.
The energy shock is already beginning to be felt in Asia, where factories are cutting production and gas stations are rationing. Fuel shortages are also being reported at airports, leading airlines to cut flights.
In Europe, the situation is further straining an already fragile economic growth, while for the Gulf states the consequences are estimated to be the most severe in decades, with severe recessions and a blow to their image as safe investment and tourism destinations.
Although the US, as a net energy exporter, is less exposed to shortages, higher fuel prices weigh on consumers. Trump himself has admitted that energy prices may remain high.
