[93768] Peak Tension in the Strait of Hormuz: Trump Threatens Iran, Tehran Reports a Blockade
[93768] Peak Tension in the Strait of Hormuz: Trump Threatens Iran, Tehran Reports a Blockade
A severe round of escalation is taking place around the Strait of Hormuz, as the US and Iran exchange threats against the backdrop of diplomatic talks in Switzerland and continued fighting in Lebanon.
Peak Tension in the Strait of Hormuz: Trump Threatens Iran, Tehran Reports a Blockade
A severe round of escalation is taking place around the Strait of Hormuz, as US President Donald Trump has issued a threatening ultimatum to Iran. In an interview with Fox News, Trump claimed he had conveyed a message to Tehran that if they block the strait, "they won't have a country" and that they would lose the ability to return to it. Trump described the US as the "guardian angel" of the strait and added that if the negotiations do not succeed, the US might take control of the waterway and charge a "transit fee" of 20% on the oil passing through it.
On the other hand, Iran International reports that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament who is conducting the contacts in Switzerland, responded sharply and stated that Tehran "does not count the American threats" and warned of a military response. Officials affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, as published by the Fars News Agency, insist that the strait remains blocked in response to what they call "the violation of the ceasefire in Lebanon" by Israel and the "lack of consistency" of the US.
Simultaneously, tension is evident between Washington and Jerusalem. The 'Zetyo' website and other networks report that Trump is furious with Netanyahu, claiming that the Israeli government is trying to "manipulate" him into a large-scale war against Iran. Conversely, the American CENTCOM stated that, contrary to Iranian claims, traffic in the strait is continuing and it is not under Iranian control, with dozens of oil tankers passing through daily.
Commentary in Iranian news channels emphasizes that blocking the strait is a "first step" intended to force the US to meet its commitments in Lebanon. However, American analysts such as retired Colonel Daniel Davis, quoted in the channel 'Akharin Twiit', criticize the Trump administration and argue that the goals he set in the current round of confrontation are not achievable by military force alone.