In a significant escalation of tensions, US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil shipments. This decision follows the collapse of peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, which lasted for 21 hours but failed to produce a resolution. Iran has insisted on its right to collect tolls from ships passing through the strait, a demand that Trump has rejected, stating that vessels paying these tolls will not have safe passage. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy has responded by warning that any military vessels approaching the strait will face a 'firm and forceful response.' The ongoing conflict, which has already resulted in thousands of casualties and market instability, has now entered its seventh week, leaving the future of a fragile ceasefire uncertain.