With the two week cease-fire between the USA and Iran in a fragile state, Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a peace agreement may be close, with potential new talks under discussion as a Pakistani delegation has arrived in Tehran. However, tensions remain high as the US is now blockading Iranian ports. Iran disputes the US claim to have ‘completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea’, and is threatening to impede commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf if the blockade of its ports continues. The conflict continues to strain international relationships, including divisions with NATO allies; China has called the US blockade ‘piracy’ and has called for it to end immediately. Despite signs of progress, the situation remains highly uncertain, with risks to stability, trade routes, and civilian safety across the region.