New Delhi, April 14 -- The U.S. Central Command, on Sunday evening, issued a statement announcing that CENTCOM forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET (Eastern Time), in accordance with the President's proclamation.

This U.S. decision came after negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan remained inconclusive, or "concluded without a deal." The proposed tolling of Hormuz has, for now, become the most crucial factor agitating the Gulf nations and the major importers of nearly 25 percent of global oil supplies. The tolling of this critical trade chokepoint has thrown up numerous challenges with global ramifications.

The ongoing conflict between ...