Iran intensifies efforts to keep Strait of Hormuz shut amid US blockade

Shipping officials have warned that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is escalating volatility as Iran intensifies efforts to keep the strait shut. Strait of Hormuz traffic returning to normal by May 15 now sits at 13.5% YES, down from 20% a day ago.

The warnings from shipping officials have driven a sharp drop in confidence across related Polymarket contracts. The odds of Donald Trump announcing a blockade lift by May 31 fell to 53.5% YES, down from 72% just 24 hours ago. Traders are pricing in sustained tensions and a delayed de-escalation timeline.

The Strait of Hormuz traffic market trades $36,459 in real USDC daily, with a $4,658 order able to move the price by five percentage points, meaning a few large trades can still drive sharp swings. The Trump blockade announcement market is more liquid at $95,253 in daily USDC volume, though the largest single move in the past day was a five-point spike.

Buying YES on Strait of Hormuz traffic returning to normal by May 15 at 14¢ offers a potential 7.14x return if resolved positively. At current odds, that position requires visible signs of de-escalation or a diplomatic breakthrough to justify the risk.

Watch for CENTCOM statements, shifts in Iran’s military posture, and updates from shipping monitors. Specific announcements from General Michael Kurilla or the Iranian Foreign Minister could move these markets quickly.

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