US prepares for escalation with Iran, eyes Hormuz blockade

President Donald Trump has convened senior security advisers to discuss a possible long‑term escalation with Iran. U.S. officials say fighting could last “a few days to a month” and are considering reinstating a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

After a new wave of raids between Washington and Tehran, commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to about 50 % of pre‑war levels, with only a handful of vessels crossing each day. Iran responded by loading at least 10 million barrels of oil and fuel from the Kharg island terminal in a single night, anticipating a U.S. blockade.

Washington has revoked the exemption that allowed Iranian oil exports and warned that any Iranian attacks on U.S. facilities would be deemed legitimate targets. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard condemned the U.S. attacks as “adventurism” and warned of “a crushing response.” China and Qatar have called for immediate de‑escalation, while Israel watches for the conflict to spread to its bases used by U.S. aircraft.