The United States has further finalized specific details regarding the blockade of Iranian ports and issued an announcement stating that it may directly seize vessels that violate these blockade measures.

These measures took effect at 10 PM Beijing time on the 13th. The announcement stated that neutral vessels in Iranian waters must leave before the deadline, or they will face severe penalties of "interception, diversion, and seizure."

Bloomberg Economics pointed out that if the U.S. continues to block the Strait of Hormuz, the possibility of resolving the conflict and resuming oil transportation through diplomatic means will significantly decrease, at least in the short term.

For the global economy and markets, the latest developments refocus attention on the downside risks: rising oil prices, a greater hit to economic growth, and further intensification of inflation.

After peace talks held in Pakistan over the weekend broke down, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. will fully blockade the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical energy chokepoint. This could completely sever a key economic lifeline for Tehran, as Iran's oil exports have largely continued to operate normally without any substantial impact since the war broke out at the end of February.

Iran, for its part, has warned that if its own shipping hub is threatened, it will target all ports within and near the Persian Gulf. This further escalates the tense standoff between the two sides in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been firmly under Tehran's control for most of the conflict.

The announcement noted that the U.S. blockade will cover Iran's entire coastline, including even areas east of the Strait of Hormuz.