CENTCOM Hormuz Blockade: 45 Ships Blocked, Traffic Down 90%, 20,000 Seafarers Stranded — Day 67 Update

# CENTCOM Hormuz Blockade: 45 Ships Blocked, Traffic Down 90%, 20,000 Seafarers Stranded — Day 67 Update

> **Quick answer:** US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on May 2, 2026 that 45 commercial vessels have been blocked from entering Iranian ports since the naval blockade began April 13. Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic is down roughly 90% from pre-war norms. Around 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf. Brent crude is at approximately $110/barrel, US gas prices have risen to $4.39–$4.51 in high-cost states, and Exxon CEO Darren Woods warned on May 1 that the oil market "hasn't seen the full impact" of this supply disruption yet.

**This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal financial decisions.**

The CENTCOM Hormuz blockade reached a new milestone on May 2, 2026: 45 commercial vessels have now been officially blocked from entering or exiting Iranian ports, the US military's most comprehensive accounting yet of a naval operation that has reshaped global energy markets in 67 days. Three more ships were turned back in the 20 hours preceding the CENTCOM announcement, signaling that the pace of interceptions is accelerating, not slowing.

## CENTCOM's Official Tally: 45 Ships, and Growing

US Central Command released its most detailed blockade accounting to date on May 2: "US forces continue to patrol international waters to enforce the naval blockade; to date, 45 commercial vessels have been directed to return to port or change course to ensure compliance."