Iran may opt to abide by US blockade in hopes of a deal, experts say

A US blockade on Iranian oil exports is currently in effect, but energy prices have unexpectedly decreased due to market optimism. Analysts believe this optimism stems from the possibility of a two-week ceasefire and renewed negotiations between the US and Iran. While China is a major buyer of Iranian oil and has supplied military aid, experts predict it will not directly challenge the US blockade militarily. The success of the blockade is being monitored, as no Iranian-linked vessels have yet been observed passing through the Strait of Hormuz and exiting the Gulf of Oman.