U.S. declares blockade 'fully implemented,' cutting off Iran's seaborne trade 'completely'

Key Points:

• The U.S. Central Command announced a full blockade of Iranian ports, effectively cutting off about 90% of Iran's international sea trade, which is crucial to its $109.7 billion annual economy.
• The blockade was implemented rapidly under President Trump's order, involving over 10,000 U.S. troops, multiple Navy ships, and fighter jets in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, with no ships passing through in the first 24 hours.
• The blockade is estimated to cost Iran approximately $435 million daily and has led to limited maritime transit, mostly by sanctioned or high-risk vessels, as reported by maritime intelligence firm Windward.
• Iran has previously restricted the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes, and the U.S. blockade risks disrupting global energy flows and straining relations with major Iranian oil buyers like China and India.
• China condemned the blockade as dangerous and irresponsible, while the International Monetary Fund lowered its 2026 global growth forecast partly due to rising oil prices amid escalating Middle East tensions.