The U.S. is preparing for a long-term blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to prepare for a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to maximize economic pressure on Iran. The war has been ongoing for three months now, and this new strategy could significantly alter the balance of power in the region.
This is reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Trump made this decision during meetings with senior officials. The plan calls for a complete halt to ships heading to or leaving Iranian ports.
The American leader considers this option less risky than resuming large-scale bombing. At the same time, such a move allows the U.S. to remain an active party to the conflict without directly escalating hostilities.
Analysts note that this strategy signals a shift toward a protracted phase of the war. Even if the intensity of hostilities decreases, the security situation for shipping in the region will remain unstable.
Washington’s main goal is to block Iranian oil exports and deprive Tehran of key revenue. In response, Iran is also restricting passage through the strait for most cargo. As a result, the global energy market has been thrown into a state of uncertainty.
The day before, Trump stated that Iran had already appealed to the U.S. to lift the naval blockade. On the social media platform Truth Social, he wrote that Tehran wants to open the waterway “as soon as possible, as they are trying to sort out their leadership situation.” According to the U.S. president, the Iranians themselves acknowledge that the country is in a “state of collapse.”
The Iranian side is offering a compromise—opening the strait in exchange for access to its ports. At the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that such a deal looks promising, but Tehran insists on postponing the issue of its nuclear program “for later,” which does not suit Washington.
Global oil markets reacted instantly to the news of a possible blockade. The price of Brent crude has been rising for the seventh consecutive day and has settled above the $111 per barrel mark.
Traders fear that shipping restrictions could become indefinite, threatening new shocks to the global economy and the energy sector.
Prior to this, French President Emmanuel Macron announced active diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. During a visit to Andorra, he emphasized that he is negotiating with both Donald Trump and the Iranian side to resolve the energy crisis “at its root.”
Iran has submitted a new proposal to the United States regarding the resolution of the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of hostilities. At the same time, Tehran proposes postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran continues to attempt to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that such approaches are unacceptable to the United States and underscored the importance of freedom of navigation in the region.
