Trump's blockade pushes Iran toward military escalation | CNN

The CNN report says the Trump administration has ended talks with Iran and launched a broad campaign of economic pressure, including global sanctions, military strikes and a maritime blockade aimed at preventing goods from entering or leaving Iran. The shift follows Trump’s dismissal of diplomacy and his view that a June ceasefire agreement “isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.” In response, Iran’s leaders warn of potential military escalation and wider conflict. Mohsen Rezaei, a Supreme National Security Council leader, said Iran will adopt new strategies and has suggested expanding its own blockade via a Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman “exclusion zone.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry said an “temporary safe route” through the Strait of Hormuz may be registered with the IMO soon, though US recognition is unclear. Mediators cite political will and technical solutions as hurdles.