U.S. naval blockade, oil jumps

The U.S. announced a maritime blockade of Iranian-linked ports starting 10 a.m. ET Monday while saying ships without Iranian ties can still pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a move paired with a threat of 50% tariffs on China if Beijing supplies weapons to Iran. ( ). Markets reacted immediately: oil rose above $100 a barrel amid fears of disrupted shipping and energy flows, and commentators warned the tariff-heavy approach widens the crisis beyond regional security into trade risk. ( ). Analysts and outlets flagged that the White House’s blend of maximalist threats and tariffs may be losing leverage and is already raising renewed policy and market volatility. ( )