Blockade

Iran is consolidating control of Hormuz with checkpoints, diplomatic deals, and fees

With Iran now in de facto control of the strait, the system can involve government-to-government arrangements, intense vetting by the Iranian government, and sometimes fees in exchange for passage.

 A drone view shows the Malta-flagged tanker Agios Fanourios I, an oil tanker that sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, arriving in Iraq's territorial waters off Basra, Iraq, April 17, 2026.
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near Bandar Abbas, Iran, May 4, 2026.

Islamic regime launches Persian Gulf Strait Authority, ships reportedly start paying tolls

Hapag-Lloyd sign on a container ship at the Valparaiso port, Chile, January 11, 2024.

Shippers Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM suspend Cuba bookings after US executive order

US Chair of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Dan Caine, addresses the Senate Appropriations Committee on the Pentagon's budget request, May 12, 2026; illustrative.

Pentagon considering renaming Iran war 'Operation Sledgehammer' if ceasefire fails - report


Israel to boost Gaza imports under truce deal

Israel to begin allowing 20 trucks with construction materials enter Gaza daily; blockade easing part of ongoing ceasefire dialogue.

Trucks at the Kerem Shalom Crossing in Gaza 390 (R)

Gaza sees eased restrictions on fishing, farming

Hamas officials, PM confirm Israel doubles fishing limit for Gazan fisherman on coast following Egyptian brokered truce.

Gaza fishing 370

Erdogan: Netanyahu sent 'weird' envoys to fix ties

Turkish prime minister revives plans to travel to Gaza, hints he could make visit alongside Abbas, 'Today's Zaman' reports.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan 311 (R)

Israel deports activists from Gaza-bound ship

Pro-Palestinian activists, arrested aboard the 'Estelle' while trying to break Gaza blockade, are sent back to their homelands.

Estelle being borded

Israeli activists on Gaza-bound ship appeal remand

Yonatan Shapira, Reut Mor and Elazar Elhanan may have "violated lawful order" onboard Gaza-bound 'Estelle' ship, court says.

Estelle being borded

Court extends remand of Israelis aboard Gaza ship

Yonatan Shapira, Reut Mor and Elazar Elhanan may have "violated lawful order" onboard Gaza-bound 'Estelle' ship, court says.

Estelle being borded

Israeli Navy seizes Gaza-bound ship 'Estelle'

Navy seizes Finnish-flagged ship carrying 30 pro-Palestinian activists after it refused to change course, tows it to Ashdod.

Estelle being borded

Israeli Navy boards Gaza-bound ship 'Estelle'

Navy seizes ship carrying 30 pro-Palestinian activists to prevent it from breaking Gaza blockade.

Estelle being borded

Activists claim navy surrounds Gaza bound ship

AFP reports soldiers already on board The Estelle ship carrying pro-Palestinian activists seeking to break Israeli blockade on Gaza; CNN reports ships surround vessel; IDF yet to release statement.

Estelle Ship 370

Ship seeking to break Gaza blockade set to arrive

Gov't officials say envoy to UN Prosor gave "free publicity" to activist ship 'Estelle' with letter to Secretary-General Ban.

Estelle Ship 370