The United States has launched a naval blockade targeting all ships entering and leaving Iranian ports after negotiations to end the war failed.
The move follows the breakdown of high-level talks in Islamabad, where both sides were unable to reach a ceasefire agreement, raising the risk of further escalation.
The blockade, enforced by U.S. Central Command, applies to vessels from all nations accessing Iranian ports along the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations will still be allowed to transit.
Washington says the action is aimed at stopping Iran’s control over shipping routes, including tolls imposed on vessels, and pressuring Tehran to reopen the vital waterway fully.
Iran has responded with threats to retaliate against ports in the Gulf, warning that any attempt to restrict its maritime activity could destabilize the entire region.
The blockade is expected to have major global consequences, particularly for oil markets, as it could halt millions of barrels of Iranian crude exports and further tighten already strained energy supplies.
