Trump warns Iran blockade could last months, sending oil prices soaring

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump indicated that a US naval blockade against Iran could last for months, causing oil prices to surge to their highest levels in over four years, with Brent crude reaching $126.41 per barrel.
• Trump is set to receive a briefing on new military plans regarding Iran from Admiral Brad Cooper of US Central Command, amid stalled diplomacy and warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin about potential consequences of renewed conflict.
• US Central Command reported successfully intercepting 42 commercial vessels violating the blockade, preventing Iran from selling 69 million barrels of oil valued at over $6 billion, intensifying economic pressure on Tehran.
• The conflict has escalated tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, while Iran faces economic hardship and internal despair as sanctions deepen and the rial hits historic lows.
• Violence continues on the Lebanese front involving Israel and Hezbollah, with recent Israeli strikes injuring Lebanese soldiers and exacerbating humanitarian crises, including acute hunger affecting over 1.2 million people in Lebanon.