United States has imposed a broad naval blockade on vessels bound for or departing from Iranian ports, aiming to squeeze Tehran’s economic lifelines and push it toward a diplomatic breakthrough following stalled talks. The blockade — declared unlawful by Iranian officials — has involved interception and seizure of Iranian-flagged ships near the Strait of Hormuz and has been criticized as a breach of the ceasefire that was meant to halt hostilities. The move has complicated efforts to extend the truce and brought energy markets and global shipping security into the spotlight.