US seizes ships aiding Iran as Hormuz blockade expands

The US is now intercepting and seizing ships aiding Iran beyond the Strait of Hormuz, and the odds of Trump lifting the blockade by May 31 have dropped to 74.5% YES, down from 82% yesterday.

The Wall Street Journal reported the blockade extension, and traders responded with a 7.5-point sell-off in 24 hours. The ship seizures signal a harder US stance, making an imminent blockade lift less likely. The largest single drop was 3 points at 5:36 AM, coinciding with the WSJ report hitting.

The blockade announcement market has a face value of $35,317 with $27,582 in USDC traded over the past 24 hours. Moving the odds 5 points requires $8,549 in the order book, which points to moderate liquidity.

Expanding the blockade under Operation Economic Fury shifts the US approach from military engagement to economic strangulation of Iran during a tenuous ceasefire. Buying YES at 74.5¢ offers a potential 1.34x return if the blockade lifts by May 31, but that bet requires a diplomatic breakthrough that looks less plausible given the current escalation.

Watch for statements from Trump or CENTCOM on any policy shift. Reports of negotiations involving Abbas Araghchi or US Navy leadership would directly affect this market, as would any confirmed change in the blockade’s scope or enforcement posture.

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