U.S. Navy Blockades Iranian Ports

The United States military has begun enforcing a blockade of Iranian maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman after marathon talks in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough.

President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian vessels attempting to challenge the blockade would be immediately eliminated, escalating tensions in the critical Strait of Hormuz.

European allies have largely declined to participate in the operation, which has already sent global oil prices surging back above $100 per barrel.

Iran has denounced the move as piracy and threatened retaliation against neighboring ports, raising fears of a protracted regional conflict.