The Strait of Hormuz has once again become a focal point of global tension as the United States threatens to impose a blockade following unsuccessful negotiations with Iran. Previously, Iran had already restricted access to the strategic waterway during its conflict with the United States and Israel.
For several weeks, Iran effectively controlled traffic through the strait after the US and Israel launched an extensive bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic more than six weeks ago. While Tehran allowed vessels from allied nations to pass, it barred ships linked to countries it considers hostile.
Iran’s parliament has also proposed legislation to impose transit fees in its national currency. In addition, Iranian authorities explicitly banned US and Israeli vessels from entering the Strait of Hormuz.
Before the conflict escalated, approximately 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait daily, making it one of the world’s most critical النفط النقل routes. Iran’s blockade disrupted global supply chains, increased shipping costs, and drove up oil prices worldwide.
Tehran’s move is widely seen as a strategic bargaining tool, aimed at countering pressure from ongoing military attacks by the US and Israel.
Following the surge in oil prices, both Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire. During this period, high-level peace talks were held in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking one of the most significant direct engagements between the two nations in decades.
The US delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance. However, the negotiations ultimately failed to produce any agreement, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown.
In response, former US President Donald Trump announced plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking on his Truth Social platform, he declared that the US Navy would begin operations immediately.
“Effective immediately, the United States Navy—the best in the world—will begin the process of blockading any and all ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.
He also warned that any Iranian forces targeting US or civilian vessels would face severe retaliation. Furthermore, Trump stated that ships that had paid transit fees to Iran would be intercepted in international waters.
According to Trump, the US blockade aims to clear mines and ensure safe navigation for all vessels, while preventing Iran from benefiting from its control over the strait.
The US military confirmed that two of its warships had already passed through the area as part of initial mine-clearing operations. Trump also issued a stark warning, suggesting that US forces could completely dismantle Iran’s remaining military capabilities if necessary.
In addition to the Strait of Hormuz, the US announced plans to extend the blockade to all Iranian ports starting Monday. The measure would apply to vessels from all countries entering or leaving Iran’s coastal regions, including ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The US Central Command stated that the blockade would officially begin at 14:00 GMT on April 13.
Iran, however, insists that the Strait of Hormuz remains fully under its control. Its military has issued strong warnings in response to the US threats.
“All maritime traffic is under the full control of our armed forces,” said a commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy. He added that any hostile action would result in severe consequences for the opposing side.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also rejected US threats, emphasizing that Iran would not back down.
“If they confront us, we will confront them. If they present logical arguments, we will respond logically. But we will never submit to threats,” Ghalibaf stated after returning from the failed talks in Islamabad.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with potentially far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and regional stability.
