US blockade of Hormuz begins; Iran threatens Gulf retaliation

Tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated on Monday as the US began enforcing a military blockade on ships departing Iran's ports. The stark move, which comes after the collapse of weekend negotiations aimed at averting conflict, has drawn a sharp reaction from Tehran. Iranian officials have issued warnings of potential retaliation against ports in neighboring Gulf nations, signaling the potential for widespread regional fallout. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil exports, remai