Iran Sanctions: US Maritime Blockade and Stricter Measures as of April 19, 2026

Key Information

On April 19, 2026, US authorities imposed a maritime blockade along with new sanctions targeting the Iranian oil sector, resulting in the termination of the general license for cargoes at sea. The industry has witnessed the turn-away of 14 vessels, tightened controls, and cross-sanctions on oil, gold, and certain international networks.

Key Points

• 14 vessels have been turned away since the implementation of the blockade, effective as of April 13, 2026 (Steptoe Trade & Sanctions, April 20, 2026).
• The US general license for Iranian oil in transit ended on April 19 at 12:01 a.m. ET (see also ISW, April 14, 2026).
• Oil accounts for 90% of Iranian exports and 45% of the state budget in 2025 (US-China Economic and Security Review Commission).

Background and Issues

Industry professionals report that the US blockade forms part of a broader economic pressure campaign involving Executive Order 13902 and the counterterrorism powers 13224 and 13886. Since April 13, 2026, the blockade has prohibited all vessel entry to and departure from Iranian ports (ISW, April 14, 2026). US efforts are aimed at halting the flow of 90% of Iranian oil, mainly destined for China. The issue of maintaining free passage through the Strait of Hormuz is also at stake, as this route represents over 20% of global maritime energy trade (ISW, April 19, 2026).

Simultaneously, the industry is tracking eased sanctions on Venezuela, with the publication of two general licenses on April 14 (OFAC, GL 56 and GL 57), together with targeted removals from the SDN List. Increased sanctions on gold in Nicaragua and money laundering tied to the Northeastern Cartel in Mexico are also corroborated (Steptoe Trade & Sanctions, April 20, 2026).

Impact for the Industry

Customs declarants and freight forwarders must refresh their classification and logistics monitoring procedures for any shipment involving Iran, Venezuela, Nicaragua, or Mexico. Importers identify an elevated risk of delays and vessel refusal for all cargoes going to or coming from Iran. Operators, especially in the oil and gold sectors, are tightening compliance monitoring and reviewing tariff classification to anticipate blockages, asset freezes, and secondary sanctions. Customs brokers must check the SDN list of individuals and entities before each shipment. Heightened controls and blockades along the Strait of Hormuz directly affect global shipping flows and private insurance rates.

Next Steps

• Launch of the CAPE Portal for CBP duty refund in the US as of April 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. (CBP via Retail Dive, April 17, 2026).
• Monitor OFAC general licenses for Venezuela and Nicaragua until their expiration on May 16, 2026.
• Possible resumption of negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad scheduled for April 21, 2026 (ISW, April 19, 2026).
• Enhanced monitoring of transits through the Strait of Hormuz and adjustment of sanctions lists.

Le blocus US impose le refoulement de 14 navires à compter du 13 avril 2026 et prive l’Iran de sa principale source de revenus pétroliers. (The US blockade has resulted in the turning away of 14 vessels as of April 13, 2026, depriving Iran of its main source of oil revenue.)

Source: Steptoe Trade & Sanctions, April 20, 2026; ISW, April 14 & 19, 2026; US-China Economic and Security Review Commission; Retail Dive, April 17, 2026; OFAC, April 14, 2026.