Overview
- U.S. naval forces have enforced a blockade since mid‑April and, according to CENTCOM, redirected 55 commercial vessels while boarding or disabling multiple ships to block access to Iranian ports.
- Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced six conditions for reopening the Strait, including lifting the U.S. naval blockade, ending sanctions, withdrawing forces, releasing frozen assets, and receiving compensation for war damage.
- On Monday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would demand compensation from Iran for deaths and damage linked to Iranian-backed actions, introducing a new U.S. reparations demand that hardens U.S. negotiating terms.
- Mediators from Oman, Qatar and Pakistan describe routing and technical talks as advanced and say the sides may be close to an arrangement, but officials warn the process is fragile as public positions harden and attacks on shipping continue.
- The effective closure has cut Iranian crude exports to near zero, driven tanker costs sharply higher and pushed Brent and WTI prices up toward the high‑$80s, leaving global energy markets and regional trade routes at heightened risk.