US President Donald Trump has instructed the Navy to prepare for a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The move aims to increase economic pressure on Iran amid a protracted conflict.
The Wall Street Journal reports this.
Details
According to the report, Trump made the decision during consultations with senior officials. The plan предусматриє effectively blocking maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, cutting off Tehran’s oil export revenues.
Officials in Washington view this option as less risky than resuming large-scale airstrikes. They also see it as a way to maintain pressure on Iran without fully disengaging from the conflict. The strategy could shift the confrontation into a prolonged phase, even if the intensity of hostilities decreases.
Amid the blockade, Trump said Iran has already called for restoring navigation, describing its situation as a “state of collapse.” In response, Tehran is allegedly offering to open the strait in exchange for access to its ports. However, the United States does not plan to delay addressing Iran’s nuclear program.
Markets reacted with rising prices, with Brent crude oil exceeding $111 per barrel. Investors fear the blockade could drag on, creating risks for the global energy market. Additional pressure comes from the United Arab Emirates decision to leave OPEC, which could affect the balance within the oil cartel.
Context
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s key oil transit routes, handling a significant share of global supply. Any disruption to shipping in the region typically drives price volatility and can have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, including fuel markets in Europe.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Iran is rapidly losing its ability to store crude oil, which could soon force a sharp drop in production amid declining exports due to the US naval blockade.
