Amid escalating US-Israel strikes on Iran since early March, Iranian forces have imposed a de facto blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, successfully targeting multiple commercial vessels with drones, missiles, and fast boats, including an Israel-linked ship set ablaze on April 4. This has slashed daily transits from over 130 to fewer than 15, disrupting global oil flows and spiking prices. On April 5, President Trump extended a deadline for Iran to halt attacks and reopen the strait, warning of devastating retaliation targeting power plants and infrastructure. Iranian officials defied the ultimatum, threatening broader shipping lanes, as Houthi allies eye Red Sea escalation; a US-led forcible reopening remains a high-risk flashpoint amid ongoing airstrikes.