The United States Central Command has begun implementing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in tensions in the region, according to CNBC.
Orders to stop vessels bound for Iran
US President Donald Trump has ordered the military to stop all vessels attempting to approach Iranian ports. He also sought to apply the decision retroactively, instructing forces to track and intercept tankers that had previously paid Iran for passage.
Such measures raise serious questions under international law, as they directly affect freedom of navigation.
“Be warned: if any of these boats approaches our blockade, it will be immediately destroyed using the same system we use against drug traffickers on the high seas,” Trump said, issuing a direct threat to Iranian forces.
Iran had earlier issued similar warnings toward US naval forces and has already demonstrated its ability to act on such threats.
Conflict enters a new phase
Following the failed negotiations in Islamabad, the Middle East conflict is entering a new and potentially more dangerous phase.
This stage could prove more challenging for the United States, which has long operated in conflicts where it faced limited direct resistance.
Global economic concerns rise
Beyond the military dimension, the situation is raising growing concern worldwide over economic fallout.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA highlighted a surge in global search activity. Interest in the query “oil price” has reached its highest level since 2004, surpassing peaks seen during the 2008 financial crisis and the start of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Searches for “Strait of Hormuz” have also hit record levels, now running 300% higher than during the 12-day conflict in 2025.
