TOTAL VOLUME:
$134b
24H VOL:
$107,351,958
24H TRANSACTIONS:
2,388,728,490
OPEN INTEREST:
$1,416,970,024
400,720
Markets across
30,097
events
MATCHED EVENTS:
2,633
PLATFORM COVERAGE:
5
Polymarket:
39%
VS.
Kalshi:
61%
Closed: Jul 31, 7:59 PM EST
Polymarket
This market tracks whether the United States government will publicly and officially announce the imposition of a naval blockade on Iran or Iranian maritime traffic. On Polymarket, the leading outcome—that such an announcement will occur by December 31, 2026—stands at 99.9%. Resolution will be determined by official statements from authorized U.S. government representatives including the President, Department of Defense, Department of State, or CENTCOM. Watch for any formal announcement through official channels before the December 31, 2026 resolution deadline.
This market will resolve to “Yes” if the United States government, or an authorized representative of the United States government, publicly and officially announces the imposition of a naval blockade on Iran, or on ships traveling to or from Iranian ports, or on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, between market creation and the specified date, 11:59 PM ET. Otherwise, this market will resolve to “No”. The announcement need not specify the full scope, duration, or enforcement parameters of the blockade. An announcement of a partial or targeted blockade qualifies, including one limited to specific vessel categories, port areas, or Iranian coastal zones, provided it clearly announces the interdiction of Iranian maritime traffic as an unconditional policy. A qualifying announcement must be a declarative statement of the United States government’s present implementation of a blockade, previously-unannounced prior implementation of a blockade, or definitive decision to implement a blockade. A qualifying announcement must clearly and unambiguously identify a blockade. Statements that merely allude to, reference, or describe a blockade, without clearly communicating it, do not qualify. The announcement need not use specific terminology or reference a blockade by name; an announcement of a resumption of prior obligations, the maintenance of a status quo, or a return to a previously agreed baseline qualifies, provided the substantive policy of a blockade is clearly and unambiguously communicated. A qualifying announcement must be made through official channels, by an individual acting in an official capacity. Statements made incidentally or informally in a context not intended for official communication do not qualify. The following do not qualify: - Anonymous, unattributed, or leaked statements not confirmed as official; - Statements by persons not authorized to speak for the United States government; - Third-party speculation, analysis, or predictions that the United States government will announce or implement a blockade; - Satirical, fabricated, hacked, or impersonated communications; and - Statements that describe a prospective, contingent, probable, or conditional imposition rather than announcing a present and decided position. Once a qualifying announcement is made, this market will resolve to “Yes” regardless of whether it is later reversed, or whether a blockade is ever actually implemented. Resolution will be based on official information from the United States government, including the President, the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and United States Central Command (CENTCOM), or the official representatives of the United States government.
Prediction markets and traditional polls measure different things: polls ask what people think will happen, while prediction markets reveal what traders are willing to stake money on. This market aggregates financial incentives rather than survey responses, often incorporating real-time geopolitical developments, expert analysis, and breaking news faster than periodic polling cycles. Traders on Polymarket face direct financial consequences for accuracy, which can sharpen price discovery compared to non-binding survey answers. However, both approaches have value—polls capture public opinion snapshots, while this market reflects the conviction of participants with skin in the game.
This market resolves around Dec 31, 2026, with the outcome confirmed once the event is verifiable from credible public reporting. The resolution hinges on whether an official US announcement of a blockade on Iran occurs by that date. Traders should monitor official government statements, major news outlets, and diplomatic channels for definitive announcements. Once the deadline passes or the event occurs, the market settles based on whether the specified condition has been met, and traders receive payouts proportional to their positions.
Major catalysts include escalating US-Iran tensions, military incidents in the Persian Gulf, statements from US officials regarding sanctions or naval action, and international diplomatic developments. Congressional votes on Iran policy, changes in oil prices or shipping disruptions, and statements from regional allies could all shift trader expectations. Unexpected geopolitical events—such as attacks on US interests or Iranian provocations—often trigger sharp repricing. Media coverage of blockade discussions and expert commentary on feasibility also influence sentiment. Traders monitor these signals continuously, adjusting positions as the probability of an announcement rises or falls.