US Central Command has redirected 49 commercial vessels to enforce the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports, part of Operation Epic Fury. The move comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire and collapsed talks in Islamabad. The blockade targets Iran's oil exports and trade, exempting non-Iranian Strait of Hormuz traffic. Over 10,000 US personnel are involved in the operation.
Prediction markets now place only a 29.5% probability on President Trump lifting the blockade by May 31, down from 40% a day earlier. The market for Kharg Island's control remains subdued. Analysts say the naval escalation signals a prolonged economic siege, with diplomatic resolution looking distant.