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US Blockade Halts Iranian Tankers, China Urges Ceasefire, Pakistan Mediation

5/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States began a naval blockade on April 13, ordering 45 commercial ships to turn around and halting Iranian tankers.
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) warned that payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sanctions.
China’s UN envoy Fu Cong called the ceasefire the most urgent issue and backed Pakistan’s mediation between the United States and Iran.

History

Historical Context

During the 1987-88 Iran-Iraq Tanker War, the United Nations adopted Resolution 598 and the United States launched Operation Earnest Will, reflagging Kuwaiti tankers and escorting a convoy protected by four frigates, three cruisers and a destroyer. The mission marked the first direct naval clash with Iran since 1979 and set a precedent for today’s U.S. blockade of Gulf vessels.

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Story summary

The United States began a naval blockade on April 13, ordering 45 commercial ships to turn around and halting Iranian tankers.
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) warned that payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sanctions.
China’s UN envoy Fu Cong called the ceasefire the most urgent issue and backed Pakistan’s mediation between the United States and Iran.

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