This live blog is now closed, but the broader coverage of the Iran crisis continues elsewhere.
In the latest development in the escalating standoff between Washington and Tehran, the US military said it would block all Iranian Gulf ports on Monday at 10am ET, which is 5.30pm in Iran and 1400 GMT. The move would effectively place maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz under US control.
US Central Command said on X that the blockade would be enforced equally against vessels from all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. The announcement specifically included all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The situation has added to the political pressure in Washington, where top US Senate Democrats again tried to advance a war powers resolution. The renewed push reflects concern in Congress over the scope of executive action as the crisis deepens.
The confrontation has become a test of resolve between the Trump administration and Iran. One observer described it as a game of chicken, saying that it would be a matter of which side gave in first. The same comment suggested that the Iranian regime was hoping Trump would back down, but that Monday’s move showed he had not.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, and any disruption there is closely watched by markets and governments. The blockade announcement marks another sharp escalation in a conflict that has already drawn in military, diplomatic, and political responses.
With naval power now central to the dispute, the coming days are likely to be closely monitored for any sign of retaliation or a shift toward negotiations. For now, the US position appears to be one of direct pressure, while lawmakers continue to argue over how much authority the president should have to act without congressional approval.
This is a developing international crisis, and further updates are expected as the blockade takes effect and the debate in Washington continues.
