Pakistan, April 23 -- The United States has pledged to block Iranian shipping until a broader agreement ends the conflict with Iran. However, analysts say shifting objectives and conflicting information have made it difficult to clearly measure the effectiveness of the naval blockade and its real impact on regional trade.

The confrontation largely centers on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors. After US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, Iranian forces restricted shipping through the narrow waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil supplies and international maritime trade.

In response, American forces launched a counter-blockade on April 13, positioning naval assets...