Tensions persist in the Middle East as the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz continues. US President Donald Trump said he allowed three Chinese tankers with Iranian oil to exit the vital strait as the blockade has sent global energy markets soaring.

As the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports drags on, thousands of seafarers are stranded on ships, and economic shockwaves ripple around the world.

What could the United States' blockade in the Strait of Hormuz look like and what impact might it have? Here's what to know.

Iran-US war latest: Tehran vows ‘no place for retreat’ over Strait of Hormuz despite Vance claiming progress - Iran plans to double its income through the vital shipping route as global oil and gas su

Former Ambassador-at-Large Nathan Sales and former naval aviator Gregory Glaros discuss CENTCOM’s announcement that the U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is being ‘fully enforced’ on ‘The Sunday Briefing.

President Trump last week announced an operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iranian blockade, and then two days later, he announced it would be paused. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the U.

Global crude benchmarks jumped after President Trump said Beijing agreed to purchase American oil amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. China has yet to confirm the deal, as tanker traffic and maritime risks continue to weigh on supply.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran is still looking over a proposal from the U.S. regarding an end to the war, adding that Tehran will not respond to “deadlines or ultimatums" and that those "mean nothing.