In a significant escalation of tensions in the Iran war, the United States Central Command announced it will implement a maritime blockade on all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports starting Monday. This decision follows the collapse of peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, where US Vice President J.D. Vance led over 21 hours of negotiations aimed at resolving the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. The talks failed primarily due to Iran's unwillingness to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Earlier this month, a temporary ceasefire allowed limited commercial traffic through the Strait, but Iran imposed steep tolls on vessels. The blockade will not impede vessels traveling to and from non-Iranian ports, focusing instead on those entering or leaving Iranian coastal areas. This situation has already impacted global oil markets, with Brent Crude prices rising by 6% to surpass $100 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate increased by 7.94%. Experts predict further price hikes as tensions in the Middle East persist.