US Blockade of Hormuz Begins as Iran Threatens Retaliation Against Gulf Neighbors
The deadline for the commencement of a U.S. military blockade on ships departing from Iran’s ports has passed, prompting Tehran to issue threats of retaliation against the ports of its Gulf neighbors. This escalation follows the breakdown of weekend negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
Oil prices have surged amid uncertainty regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil supplies. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has effectively restricted access to the strait, allowing only its vessels to pass and imposing fees for any other ships seeking passage.
U.S. Military Actions and Statements
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would enforce a blockade against Iranian vessels and any ships that comply with Iranian tolls. He warned that any Iranian “fast-attack” ships approaching the blockade would be targeted. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the blockade would take effect at 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) on Monday.
NATO allies, including Britain and France, have stated they will not participate in the blockade, emphasizing the importance of reopening the waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil typically flows.
The ceasefire that had temporarily halted six weeks of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes is now in jeopardy, with only a week remaining before its expiration. Washington reported that Tehran rejected its demands during high-level talks in Islamabad, marking the most significant discussions since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Blockade Enforcement and Iranian Response
The U.S. military’s Central Command stated that the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. They clarified that the blockade would not obstruct neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations.
Two Iranian-linked tankers, the Aurora and New Future, successfully departed the strait on Monday before the deadline, according to data from LSEG. An Iranian military spokesperson condemned the U.S. restrictions on international shipping as “piracy,” warning that if Iranian ports were threatened, no port in the Gulf or Gulf of Oman would be safe. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards indicated that any military vessels approaching the strait would violate the ceasefire.
On social media, Trump stated that ships paying Iran an “illegal toll” would not be granted safe passage, adding a stark warning: “Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!”
Tehran’s Stance and Regional Dynamics
Iran has dismissed U.S. demands to reopen the strait while introducing new conditions for negotiations, including recognition of its control over the waterway, the lifting of sanctions, and the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from bases across the Middle East. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that efforts to resolve the conflict continue following the direct talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad.
Despite declaring victory, Trump has not achieved his initial objectives of neutralizing Iran’s military capabilities, halting its nuclear program, or facilitating regime change in Tehran. Iran retains missiles and drones capable of striking Gulf neighbors, along with a stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. The Iranian leadership, which faced domestic unrest earlier this year, has shown resilience against U.S. pressure without any visible organized opposition.
Iranian officials have signaled a willingness to negotiate only if the U.S. makes further concessions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized the U.S. approach, stating that Iran has faced “maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade” during the talks. He remarked, “Zero lessons learned,” emphasizing that goodwill fosters goodwill, while enmity breeds further conflict.
Oil Market Reactions
Following the announcement of the blockade, benchmark oil prices, which had previously eased after the ceasefire was declared, surged by approximately 7% on Monday, climbing back above $100 per barrel. Traders noted that the primary benchmarks used to set prices for global commodities may not fully reflect the unprecedented disruption in supply.
Trump has previously asserted that any increase in U.S. gasoline prices would be temporary. However, he indicated that prices could remain elevated through the upcoming midterm elections in November. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, shared a map of gasoline prices in the Washington area on social media, suggesting that Americans may soon long for lower prices amid the blockade.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-13 19:44:00 • By the Editorial Desk
