Washington: A US naval blockade targeting Iranian oil shipments has cost Tehran an estimated $4.8 billion in lost revenue, a Pentagon official told The Hill on Friday, citing a Defense Department assessment first reported by Axios. The blockade, imposed on April 13 in and around the Strait of Hormuz, is part of pressure ordered by President Donald Trump amid stalled negotiations with Iran.

According to Anadolu Agency, the United States' blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is operating with full force and delivering the intended impact. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez stated in a statement that they are inflicting a significant blow to the Iranian regime's ability to fund activities perceived as terrorism and regional destabilization. The statement affirmed that US Armed Forces in the region will continue to maintain pressure.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that US forces have turned away 45 commercial vessels since the operation commenced. While Iran has simultaneously restricted passage in the strait, US forces have intercepted traffic in the Gulf of Oman. This highlights the ongoing tensions and strategic maneuvers in the region.

President Donald Trump also informed Congress about a ceasefire with Iran, extending the timeline tied to the War Powers Act following the conflict's start on February 28. Trump, briefed by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine on military options, mentioned to reporters that there are choices to make, whether to engage in full-scale conflict or pursue a negotiated outcome, expressing a preference for the latter.