US Blockade in Persian Gulf Raises Risks for Regional Countries

Regional and Asian coverage focuses on the US blockade as a targeted effort against Iranian ports that still allows commercial traffic through Hormuz, but carries heavy risks for energy importers. These outlets highlight that some loaded Iranian tankers have managed to leave the Gulf and that US‑sanctioned supertankers are entering, suggesting both loopholes and attempts to keep oil flowing. They warn that Asian economies such as China, India, South Korea and Japan, along with smaller import‑dependent states, would be hit hardest if the dispute closes or seriously disrupts the Strait.

• •US and Iranian officials both insist that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels despite the port blockade.
• •Kpler data shows the first loaded Iranian oil tankers exiting the Gulf since the US blockade began.
• •US‑sanctioned supertankers have entered the Gulf despite the blockade, pointing to complex enforcement and routing.
• •Iranian leaders threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz if the blockade persists and their rights are not guaranteed.
• •Asian oil importers such as China, India, South Korea and Japan are described as the most vulnerable to any wider disruption of Gulf shipping.