US Navy Blockades Iranian Gulf Ports

The United States has begun blocking ships from using Iranian ports in the Gulf after a deadline passed, widening the US-Israeli war against Iran into an economic pressure campaign. US Central Command (Centcom) did not issue a formal announcement, but said the blockade would start on Monday at 5.30pm Iranian time. Centcom said the measure applies to any ships entering or departing Iranian ports or coastal areas.

Centcom said vessels using non-Iranian ports would not be affected. The enforcement posture appeared focused east of the strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman, an area described as beyond easy reach for Iranian missiles and drones. The development places maritime traffic near one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways at the center of the confrontation.

According to the description of the strategy, the aim is to damage Iran’s economy, which is heavily dependent on oil. The stated objective is to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait of Hormuz to ships from the ports of Gulf allies and to accept a complete ban on uranium enrichment. Iran, for its part, said Donald Trump’s blockade would raise fuel costs for ordinary Americans.

How the blockade would be enforced was not clearly set out in the information provided. One possibility raised was that US forces could attempt to board and seize vessels that do not follow instructions. The account noted that a missile strike on a tanker attempting to break the blockade could trigger an environmental disaster, underscoring the risks around any attempt to challenge restrictions at sea.

Separately in US politics, two members of Congress announced resignations amid threats of expulsion. Tony Gonzales, a Republican representative for Texas, said on Monday he was resigning after admitting to an extramarital affair with a staffer; he had acknowledged last month that the aide later died by suicide.

Hours earlier, Eric Swalwell, a Democratic representative who had been running for governor of California, said he would resign following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, and he cited bipartisan calls for his removal.

In Canada, Mark Carney’s Liberal party secured a majority government after winning three special elections in Ontario and Quebec, according to CBC. The public broadcaster reported the Liberals now hold 174 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons, allowing Carney to advance his agenda without relying on opposition support. Carney has said a majority would help him respond more effectively to the trade war started by Trump, and national elections are due in 2029.

” A separate report said a 16-year-old from Florida was charged with sexually assaulting and killing his 18-year-old stepsister on a cruise ship in November. Uncertainties remain around how the maritime blockade will be implemented in practice and how shipping will respond to the stated restrictions.