US naval enforcement of the blockade on Iranian ports and vessels, reinstated in July 2026 after the June memorandum of understanding collapsed, continues amid renewed attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. October saw the highest monthly total of incidents since the conflict began in February, including Iranian claims of mine strikes and drone hits on tankers, while CENTCOM reports redirecting over 130 vessels and preventing billions in Iranian oil exports. Traders assess low near-term odds of an official US announcement lifting the measure because prior diplomatic pauses proved short-lived, sanctions signals remain firm, and no verified breakthrough in nuclear or regional talks has emerged. Any resolution would require a clear public statement ending general restrictions on Iranian-linked traffic, even if fees or monitoring persist.