Day three, not a single ship passed. The US Navy has total control of the Strait of Hormuz, and Commander Brad Cooper claims the blockade was 'fully implemented' within 36 hours. Nine ships turned back on orders. Iranian ports are paralyzed.

Diplomacy through intermediaries

Pakistan has emerged as the key mediator. General Asim Munir traveled to Tehran, and Trump announced 'developments' within two days. Negotiations use a 'two-track strategy' involving Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Is this real diplomacy or buying time while the aircraft carriers arrive?

Military reinforcement

6,000 troops already on the ground with the USS George H.W. Bush. An additional 4,200 expected by late April. American planners are considering amphibious operations on Iranian territory. This no longer looks like a blockade - it looks like preparation.

The nuclear shadow

IAEA Director Rafael Grossi doesn't mince words: any peace agreement without 'very detailed' verification of Iranian nuclear activities is 'just an illusion.' Meanwhile, Iran is excavating entrances to underground missile bases during the ceasefire. Does anyone really believe this ends with a handshake?

China's move

Beijing rejected allegations of military support for Iran and warned of 'countermeasures' against additional US tariffs. Trump, meanwhile, claims China is 'very happy' because the blockade remains open to global commerce. Between the lines: this isn't just about Iran. This is about who controls the most important oil chokepoint on the planet.

Hezbollah signals a possible ceasefire in Lebanon. The US Treasury imposed new sanctions. And Hormuz remained closed to Iranian ships, open to everyone else - at least for now. In the Balkans, we know that 'for now' is the shortest phrase before 'not anymore.'