The blockade took effect Monday morning after 21-hour negotiations in Pakistan failed, with the U.S. accusing Iran of violating a ceasefire and refusing to reopen the strait, which handles 20% of world oil trade.
Trump cited the destruction of 158 Iranian naval vessels and warned that approaching fast attack ships would be eliminated, while the Pentagon assured non-Iranian traffic would proceed unimpeded.
Global responses included China’s expectation of open passage for its ships, France’s call for diplomacy, and oil market shifts with tankers rerouting to U.S. ports as the S&P 500 rose on energy bets.
