U.S. Begins Naval Blockade of Iranian Shipping

This is something that should have been done from the start of the war, but the President decided to let Iran keep selling oil to keep prices down. This is one of those conflicts where you have to be all in or you don’t do it at all:

The United States began a naval blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, ratcheting up pressure on the Islamic Republic after Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement during their peace talks in Pakistan over the weekend.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed during a press availability that the blockade was in progress, noting that Iran hopes to make a deal with the U.S. “very badly”, a remark that raised hopes for diplomatic efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

In an advisory, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British entity, said that effective from 10 a.m. (Washington time), “maritime access restrictions” were being enforced for Iranian ports and coastal areas, including locations along the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The blockade in the strategically crucial strait appears aimed at putting pressure on Iran, as it could restrict Tehran’s ability to export oil, its key source of revenue. Iran has used the waterway as a vital source of strategic leverage to seek U.S. concessions during the war.

Yonhap

South Korea for their part has sent diplomats to Tehran trying to get a pledge from them to not attack their ships:

Seoul’s special envoy to Iran, Chung Byung-ha, has met senior officials in Tehran to discuss the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz — where South Korean vessels and seafarers remain stranded — as well as broader bilateral issues, a Korean Foreign Ministry official who requested anonymity said in an afternoon closed-door briefing.

Chung, who arrived over the weekend, is expected to convey Seoul’s position on ensuring the safety of South Korean nationals and securing passage through the strait, while holding consultations with Iranian counterparts. His meetings are likely to include talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, though details have not been disclosed.

“(Chung) will deliver our position on the bilateral relations with Iran, ensuring the safety of South Korean nationals in Iran and the passage of the Strait of Hormuz, and consult with them on those matters,” the Foreign Ministry official said.

Korea Herald

The fact that South Korea is not announcing the results of the consultations must mean that Iran has denied free passage of their ships. From Iran’s point of view South Korea is selling missile defense systems to the Gulf Arab states which effectively puts the ROK on the opposing side of this conflict.