After the US command announced a complete naval blockade of Iran, oil tankers have already begun to massively change their routes. And US President Donald Trump is now facing a serious test: he can either put Iran out of the game through the blockade or suffer defeat, Reuters reports.

According to LSEG and Kpler marine systems, chaotic ship movements are currently observed. Captains are trying to prevent events and reach the place before the start of the military operation, which is scheduled for 19:00 Armenia time.

Experts consider this step by Trump to be extremely risky, since the constant presence of a large number of military ships is necessary to ensure the blockade. If this plan succeeds, Iran will be deprived of its main lever of influence: oil blackmail.

However, experts doubt that it will be possible to achieve long-term success. Such a mission requires enormous resources, and it will be difficult for the US to maintain the blockade ring alone for months.

Tankers often transport oil for major players such as China and India. This means that the blockade could also lead to conflict with other countries. Analysts say Beijing is unlikely to sit idly by.

Tehran also has retaliatory measures. Iranian forces could target US infrastructure in the region, which would put US military bases in the Persian Gulf at risk.

If successful quickly, the blockade could lower oil prices. But a protracted war at sea would have the opposite effect. The market is already preparing for the worst-case scenario: the price of a barrel of oil rose to $102 in Monday morning trading.