The US naval blockade of Iran, first imposed in April 2026 and reinstated in mid-July after a short-lived memorandum collapsed, continues to restrict most Iranian seaborne crude exports while allowing limited humanitarian shipments. CENTCOM reports the measure has redirected vessels and prevented billions in oil revenue over 100 days, tightening economic pressure amid the broader 2026 Iran conflict involving Strait of Hormuz access and nuclear concerns. Recent developments include Iran's October 22 appeal to the UN Security Council demanding an immediate end to the blockade alongside sanctions relief, alongside US statements signaling possible renewed strikes and conditions for lifting enforcement such as unrestricted Hormuz transit and limits on enriched uranium. Trader focus centers on whether diplomatic channels, including past Pakistan-mediated talks or upcoming summits, produce verifiable US announcements ending the blockade before year-end or if sustained military and economic leverage extends it.