US Blockades Iranian Ports

A major escalation in the Middle East conflict has seen U.S. warships begin enforcing a blockade on all vessels entering or leaving Iranian waters.

The Pentagon reports that six merchant ships have already been turned back during the first 24 hours of the operation.

While the blockade aims to force Iran back to the negotiating table, it has triggered immediate spikes in global energy prices and drawn sharp condemnation from China.

Tehran has threatened retaliation against neighboring Gulf states if its shipping routes remain targeted.