Blockade

What are Trump's options as he seeks to pile more economic pressure on Iran? - explainer

The US, ‌the UN, and the EU have applied sanctions, implemented trade embargoes, and frozen assets for decades over Iran's nuclear program and human rights violations.

US President Donald Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speak ahead of the launch of Trump investment accounts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 6, 2026.
A satellite image of Kharg Island, Iran, before US strikes, February 25, 2026.

Iranian oil exports come to a halt amid renewed US blockade - report

Houthi activists stand on a platform against a banner depicting Houthi missiles, at an anti-Saudi rally amid an escalation with the kingdom, in Sanaa, Yemen, July 31, 2026.

Yemen's Houthis say they hit Saudi target at Najran airport

A Yemeni protester carries a mock missile during a protest staged against the continued Saudi-led blockade on Yemen on July 31, 2026 in Sana'a, Yemen.

Saudi Arabia prepares military operations as Houthis resume strikes on territory, shipping


Iran expert: Tehran not yet under enough pressure to concede

Tehran continues to condition any discussion of its nuclear program on ending the war, lifting the blockade, and the withdrawal of US forces, meaning the core obstacle remains unresolved.

A woman walks past a billboard featuring an image of the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a building, amid a ceasefire between US and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 27, 2026

US blockade costs Iran $4.8 billion, US Navy acting 'sort of like pirates,' Trump says - report

According to Pentagon officials, over 40 vessels carrying oil and other contraband have been redirected by the US military since the blockade began on April 13th. 

The ‘USS Abraham Lincoln’ conducts US blockade operations related to the Strait of Hormuz, last month.

Khamenei vows to protect nuclear program, warns US over Gulf presence in written statement

Khamenei reiterated that Iran will defend its nuclear and missile technologies, accusing the US of causing instability in the Persian Gulf and vowing to expel foreign forces.

Iranians stand on a pavement along a street next to a billboard depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran on April 24, 2026.

Iran would use a nuclear weapon if it acquired one, Trump says

Trump told Newsmax that while Iran's military is heavily damaged, only a guarantee against nuclear development will secure a lasting peace, calling for stronger global action.

US President Donald Trump pictured in the Oval Office, April 30, 2026; illustrative.

Popular protests may be inevitable, warns Iran's Supreme National Security Council - Iran Intl

Iran’s economy cannot withstand more than six to eight weeks of naval blockade, according to the report presented to the Security Council. The US blockade has now been in place for two weeks.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. The nationwide protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against the failing economic policies in late December, which spread to universities and other cities

Support for Iran war among US Jews has eroded since operations began, JPPI survey shows

A recent survey by JPPI revealed that support for the Iran war among US Jews has dropped, with opposition increasing as operations continued.

People carry pre-revolutionary Iranian flags, wave US and Israeli flags, and carry banners supporting the war in Iran during a march in New York City, March 15, 2026; illustrative.

US imposes sanctions on Chinese 'teapot' refinery for buying Iranian oil

Last year, the US imposed sanctions on teapots Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical.

An aerial view shows a petrochemical plant in operation by the Yangtze River in Nanjing, in eastern China's Jiangsu province November 26, 2025.

US will not renew Iranian, Russian oil waivers, Treasury Secretary tells Associated Press

According to the Associated Press, the waivers were originally issued to ease the strain on global energy markets caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Iran war.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent looks on as he speaks to the media after two days of meetings with a Chinese delegation, in Paris, France March 16, 2026

US blockade of Hormuz successful despite media reports suggesting otherwise, maritime expert says

The seven large container ships detected near the Chabahar Port are not a sign that Iran is considering shifting activity to the east of Hormuz, as had initially been theorized.

A satellite image shows the ship movement at the Strait of Hormuz on April 2, 2026.

Ships seized by Iran taken to Bandar Abbas as countries check on sailors' wellbeing

The IRGC seized the ships on Wednesday, with both crews reported as safe, as their home countries actively seek their return.

US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.