The talks between the USA and Iran have been unsuccessful. President Trump has now announced his own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and repeated his threats.
Following the failed negotiations between representatives of Iran and the USA in Pakistan, including Vice President J. D. Vance, President Donald Trump once again sent mixed signals. On the one hand, the meeting “went well”, he wrote on his short message service Truth Social, and there was agreement on most points. On the other hand, however, Iran had not given up on the “only important point”: the country’s nuclear armament. Trump repeated several times that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Tehran, on the other hand, continues to say that it is not working on a nuclear arsenal.
As the warring parties were unable to reach an agreement, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed – not only due to the presence of Iran, but now also the USA. Tehran had promised to open the strait, but had not done so, Trump announced. At the same time, Iran is demanding the right to charge fees for the passage of the strait.
The US President has now responded with a blockade of his own in order to further increase the pressure on the regime. As this also prevents Iranian ships from passing through, it is no longer an export route for oil and liquefied natural gas. Furthermore, no ship that pays an illegal toll to Iran will be safe on the high seas, Trump wrote. And: “Any Iranian who shoots at us or peaceful ships will be hunted to hell!”
As was made clear after the initial announcement by the responsible authority Centcom, only ships with a connection to the Iranian oil trade are to be stopped by the US military. Tankers calling at other Gulf states will not be affected by the blockade.
In order to further promote the opening of the passage, the USA will also begin to remove mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Trump, these are part of a blackmail strategy and would prevent the strait from being opened to shipping.
The blockade by US forces is due to begin today at 4 p.m. German time. At the weekend, three fully loaded VLCC-class tankers passed through the strait, two of which are owned by Pakistan. Following the announcement, global oil prices – already at record levels – rose even further.
