The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil supplies, and any disruption can affect markets worldwide.3 min readApr 14, 2026 11:31 AM IST First published on: Apr 14, 2026 at 11:31 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookA man flashes a victory sign as he carries an Iranian flag in front of an anti-U.S. billboard depicting the American aircrafts into the Iranian armed forces fishing net with signs that read in Farsi: "The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed. (Photo: AP)A proposed US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has raised legal and economic questions, as tensions with Iran escalate following the collapse of talks in Pakistan.Donald Trump has said the US Navy could intercept ships linked to Iran, accusing Tehran of “extortion” for charging vessels to pass through the strait.However, The New York Times reported the US military may instead focus on blocking Iranian ports and coastal areas, while allowing other ships to move through.Could the blockade be legal?Experts say blockades are recognised under international law as a tool during armed conflict. Donald Rothwell, writing in The Conversation, said that in an active conflict, countries involved known as “belligerents” can impose naval blockades.“There is no question the US, Israel and Iran are belligerents in this case,” he wrote, adding that such action falls under the law of naval warfare.Story continues below this adAlso read Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: Iran condemns US blockade as ‘grave violation of sovereignty’If enforced, a blockade would signal that the ceasefire has effectively ended and hostilities have resumed.Why there are legal limitsLegal experts stress that such blockades must follow strict conditions. Douglas Guilfoyle told Al Jazeera that “neutral trade that doesn’t connect with Iran should be allowed through”.He added that a blockade must be properly enforced. “For the blockade to be legal, it must be effective; it must be applied against all vessels,” he said.Another key condition is humanitarian impact. “It does not have the consequence of starving the civilian population or denying them access to… food and medicine,” Guilfoyle said.Story continues below this adWhy it matters globallyThe Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil supplies, and any disruption can affect markets worldwide.Iran has already restricted movement in the strait during the conflict, with some ships reportedly passing under escort or after paying fees.A US blockade could further reduce oil exports and push prices higher, while also increasing pressure on Iran during negotiations.Most ReadUncertainty over next stepsIt remains unclear how the US would implement any blockade, or whether it will go ahead in full.Story continues below this adA broader move to shut the entire strait could raise tensions with other countries, while a limited blockade targeting Iranian ports would be more in line with past naval actions.Experts say the move could serve both as a military step and as leverage in talks, even as the risk of escalation remains high.(With inputs from agencies)AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...