Trump pushes for long-term Strait of Hormuz shutdown plan — WSJ
Photo: Iranian fleet (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to prepare for a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is seeking to maximize economic pressure on Tehran as the war enters its third month, according to The Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, the decision was made during meetings with senior officials. The plan envisages a complete halt of any vessels heading to or leaving Iranian ports.
Trump concluded that this option carries less risk than resuming large-scale bombing. At the same time, it allows the US to avoid a full withdrawal from the conflict, the outlet notes.
The strategy signals a shift to a prolonged phase of the war. While direct hostilities may subside, the stability of shipping in the region remains highly uncertain.
The US plan is to block all Iranian oil and deprive Tehran of revenue from its sales. Iran, for its part, is also keeping the Strait closed to most other cargo. As a result, the global energy market is in a state of uncertainty, the report emphasizes.
'State of collapse': Iran asks to lift the blockade
A day earlier, the US President said Iran had already asked Washington to end the naval blockade. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Tehran wants to reopen the waterway "as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation." He also added that, according to the Iranians themselves, the country is in a "state of collapse."
Iran has proposed reopening the Strait in exchange for access to its ports. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the deal is not bad, but Iran wants to postpone discussions on its nuclear program, which is unacceptable to the US.
Oil at $111 and a split in OPEC
The oil market reacted immediately, with Brent crude rising for the seventh consecutive day. It has now stabilized above $111 per barrel. Traders fear the blockade could become indefinite.
Amid the conflict, another geopolitical earthquake occurred: the United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from OPEC. This is a major blow to the oil cartel and Saudi Arabia's leadership. The UAE has long expressed dissatisfaction with production quotas.
What's happening to the oil market due to the Strait of Hormuz
India has found a new oil supplier due to disruptions in the Strait—and it's not Russia, but Venezuela.
The blockade has pushed the world into an oil crisis, but it’s not the only pressure point. There are at least five other chokepoints where disruptions could destabilize the global economy.
