The US escalated pressure on Iran with a naval blockade to force talks, as
Israel and Lebanon prepare to extend a three-week ceasefire. President Donald
Trump ordered the Navy to target vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz
after intercepting two tankers evading restrictions. The move aims to curb
Iran’s oil exports and force concessions. Allies say output could shut within
weeks, though some Iran-linked ships continue transiting the strait, suggesting
limited resilience.
