The United States has reinstated a maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions and introducing immediate risks to global shipping lanes.

US Central Command confirmed the move on Tuesday evening, stating that the blockade resumed at 22:00 local time.

The command noted that more than 20 US warships and hundreds of military aircraft are currently deployed in the Middle East, maintaining a high state of alert.

The command noted that more than 20 US warships and hundreds of military aircraft are currently deployed in the Middle East, maintaining a high state of alert.

The decision to reimpose the blockade comes amid reports of attacks near the strait, signaling a deterioration in security conditions for commercial vessels.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy trade, handling a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Any disruption to transit through this narrow waterway poses a direct threat to supply chains and freight stability.