Overview
- The blockade, which took effect Monday at 10 a.m. ET, targets ships to and from Iranian ports while U.S. officials say non‑Iranian transit may proceed under military escort.
- Brent and WTI futures rose more than 6% to above $100 per barrel, and the IMF, World Bank and IEA warned of lasting shocks to energy, gas and fertilizer costs that could lift inflation and strain importers.
- Iran called the action illegal and described it as piracy, and officials warned that Gulf ports would face retaliation if Iranian facilities are threatened.
- Key partners broke ranks with Washington as the UK said it will not join the blockade, and France with the UK is organizing a conference to form a defensive mission to restore safe navigation.
- Pakistan proposed hosting a new round of U.S.–Iran talks in the coming days, and officials in Washington and Islamabad said contacts to restart negotiations are still active.