Tensions in West Asia have sharply increased following U.S. President Donald Trump's order for a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas supplies. This decision comes in response to reports of Iran laying naval mines and attempting to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strait. As a result, oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel, reflecting fears of potential disruptions in this vital corridor, which accounts for nearly a fifth of the world's oil supply. In a related development, Trump has threatened to impose 50% tariffs on China if it provides military support to Iran, signaling a more aggressive U.S. trade policy intertwined with geopolitical strategy. The blockade and tariff threats have heightened concerns about military escalation, impacting global energy flows and economic stability. As tankers begin to avoid the region, volatility in energy markets is expected to rise, potentially pushing fuel costs higher and exacerbating inflation, particularly in oil-dependent economies.