THE NEW YORK TIMES: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator, accused the United States of violating the shaky cease-fire, after Iranian forces fired at vessels that the U.S. Navy was guiding through the strait.
A top Iranian official warned on Tuesday of an escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and accused the United States of violating the fragile cease-fire, a day after the U.S. Navy began an initiative to escort commercial ships through the strait, a vital oil shipping waterway.
As the truce appeared to falter, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator in the stumbling peace negotiations, said in a social media post that “a new equation” was emerging in the waterway. He said that American actions had endangered shipping through the strait, which Iran has effectively blockaded since the war began in late February.
“We know well that the continuation of the current situation is unbearable for the United States, while we have not even started yet,” Mr. Ghalibaf said.
The U.S. Navy began escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Reports of attacks from Iran in and around the Persian Gulf quickly tested the American actions and the Pakistani-brokered cease-fire that paused the war last month.
The United Arab Emirates said Iran had fired missiles and drones at its territory on Monday, the first time since the cease-fire had come into effect. The U.A.E.’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the country “reserves its full and legitimate right to respond” to the attacks.
American forces shot down cruise missiles and drones and destroyed six Iranian speedboats that had threatened the vessels, according to U.S. Central Command. The U.S. military said two commercial ships operating under the U.S. flag had passed through the waterway.
Iran did not officially confirm or deny whether it had resumed attacks. IRIB, Iran’s state-run broadcaster, said that a senior Iranian military official denied the American claim that several Iranian boats had been sunk.
In an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that aired Monday, President Trump declined to say whether the cease-fire was over. “Well, I can’t tell you that,” Mr. Trump said. » | John Yoon | Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Showing posts with label Strait of Hormuz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Strait of Hormuz. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 05, 2026
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Supreme Leader Says Iran Is Planning for Ongoing Control of Strait
The NEW YORK TIMES: Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said in a statement that Iran would establish “new legal frameworks” for the Strait of Hormuz. He also said his country would retain its nuclear capabilities.
Screenshot from this NYT article. | Iranians held photos of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, at a government-organized march in Tehran on Wednesday. | Arash Khamooshi for The New York Times
Iran’s supreme leader issued a rare statement on Thursday saying that the United States had no place in the future of the Persian Gulf region and making clear that his country planned to manage the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway going forward.
In the defiant message, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei also vowed that Iran would retain its nuclear capabilities. The lengthy statement from the Iranian leader, who has not been seen in public since he was named to the top post nearly two months ago, was shared by his office.
It touched on two of the thorniest issues stalling talks on permanently ending the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which began in late February and paused when a cease-fire was reached this month. Those positions put Iran at odds with the United States, which has sought to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions and insisted that it cannot restrict use of the Strait of Hormuz to vessels of its choosing.
“By the will and power of God, the bright future of the Persian Gulf region will be a future without America,” said the statement, which was released on Iran’s National Day of the Persian Gulf, an annual commemoration of a 1622 military victory over Portugal in the Strait of Hormuz. » | Leo Sands | Thursday, April 30, 2026
Iran’s supreme leader issued a rare statement on Thursday saying that the United States had no place in the future of the Persian Gulf region and making clear that his country planned to manage the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway going forward.
In the defiant message, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei also vowed that Iran would retain its nuclear capabilities. The lengthy statement from the Iranian leader, who has not been seen in public since he was named to the top post nearly two months ago, was shared by his office.
It touched on two of the thorniest issues stalling talks on permanently ending the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which began in late February and paused when a cease-fire was reached this month. Those positions put Iran at odds with the United States, which has sought to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions and insisted that it cannot restrict use of the Strait of Hormuz to vessels of its choosing.
“By the will and power of God, the bright future of the Persian Gulf region will be a future without America,” said the statement, which was released on Iran’s National Day of the Persian Gulf, an annual commemoration of a 1622 military victory over Portugal in the Strait of Hormuz. » | Leo Sands | Thursday, April 30, 2026
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Trump Threatens Iranian Boats He Says Are Mining the Strait of Hormuz
THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump’s latest threats came after the Pentagon said the U.S. military had boarded a second tanker carrying oil from Iran. Both sides are trying to exert authority over shipping amid uncertainty over the status of peace talks.
President Trump said on Thursday that he had ordered the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill any boat” that is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as the Pentagon announced that U.S. forces had boarded another sanctioned tanker that was carrying oil from Iran.
A day earlier, Iranian forces claimed to have seized two cargo ships near the strait, a vital conduit for oil and gas. The United States and Iran are each trying to exert authority over shipping during a cease-fire, with little public indication that either is intent on restarting peace talks.
“There is to be no hesitation,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that U.S. minesweepers were “clearing the Strait right now.” It has not been confirmed whether Iranian boats are mining the strait.
The post took a more aggressive tone than previous comments from the White House, which said on Wednesday that the president did not view Iran’s reported ship seizures as a violation of the U.S.-Iran cease-fire that he extended this week.
The tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have injected fresh fear into energy markets, with oil trading above $100 a barrel again on Thursday.
Energy prices have risen sharply since the United States and Israel began the war on Iran in late February and Iran responded by effectively blocking shipping through the strait. The United States has countered with a naval blockade that has prevented dozens of ships from leaving or accessing Iranian ports.
The U.S. Navy has also targeted Iran-linked ships elsewhere in the world. On Thursday, the Pentagon said that American forces had stopped and boarded the M/T Majestic X, a sanctioned tanker carrying oil from Iran, in the Indian Ocean, in an effort to squeeze Iran’s oil economy. Earlier this week, Navy SEALS boarded another ship in the Indian Ocean, the M/T Tifani, the Pentagon said. Iran War Live Updates » | Luke Broadwater and Eric Schmitt | Thursday, April 23, 2026
President Trump said on Thursday that he had ordered the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill any boat” that is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as the Pentagon announced that U.S. forces had boarded another sanctioned tanker that was carrying oil from Iran.
A day earlier, Iranian forces claimed to have seized two cargo ships near the strait, a vital conduit for oil and gas. The United States and Iran are each trying to exert authority over shipping during a cease-fire, with little public indication that either is intent on restarting peace talks.
“There is to be no hesitation,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that U.S. minesweepers were “clearing the Strait right now.” It has not been confirmed whether Iranian boats are mining the strait.
The post took a more aggressive tone than previous comments from the White House, which said on Wednesday that the president did not view Iran’s reported ship seizures as a violation of the U.S.-Iran cease-fire that he extended this week.
The tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have injected fresh fear into energy markets, with oil trading above $100 a barrel again on Thursday.
Energy prices have risen sharply since the United States and Israel began the war on Iran in late February and Iran responded by effectively blocking shipping through the strait. The United States has countered with a naval blockade that has prevented dozens of ships from leaving or accessing Iranian ports.
The U.S. Navy has also targeted Iran-linked ships elsewhere in the world. On Thursday, the Pentagon said that American forces had stopped and boarded the M/T Majestic X, a sanctioned tanker carrying oil from Iran, in the Indian Ocean, in an effort to squeeze Iran’s oil economy. Earlier this week, Navy SEALS boarded another ship in the Indian Ocean, the M/T Tifani, the Pentagon said. Iran War Live Updates » | Luke Broadwater and Eric Schmitt | Thursday, April 23, 2026
Jeffrey Sachs: Iran Exposed the Limits of American Power
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Iran Again Tightens Its Grip on Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Traffic in the strait has all but halted as Iran renews its attacks, striking two vessels on Wednesday. More than 300 ships linked to Iran have passed through the strait since the war began.
The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has become a barometer of how the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is affecting the global economy.
On Tuesday, after nearly eight weeks of war, that number was one, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Then Wednesday, more ships tried and Iran attacked two cargo vessels in the strait.
“They are reminding us that their threats to attack ships are genuine, and that’s enough to suppress traffic through the strait,” said Rosemary Kelanic, a director at Defense Priorities, a research organization focused on foreign affairs. Ships linked to Iran have passed through the strait, ship tracking data shows.
The latest attacks show that Tehran still has a stranglehold on the strait that allows it to ratchet up the pain on the global economy, even though the U.S. military has struck some 13,000 targets in Iran and set up a naval blockade against it. This strategic move gives Iran leverage in any talks with the United States to end the war. » | Peter Eavis | Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has become a barometer of how the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is affecting the global economy.
On Tuesday, after nearly eight weeks of war, that number was one, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Then Wednesday, more ships tried and Iran attacked two cargo vessels in the strait.
“They are reminding us that their threats to attack ships are genuine, and that’s enough to suppress traffic through the strait,” said Rosemary Kelanic, a director at Defense Priorities, a research organization focused on foreign affairs. Ships linked to Iran have passed through the strait, ship tracking data shows.
The latest attacks show that Tehran still has a stranglehold on the strait that allows it to ratchet up the pain on the global economy, even though the U.S. military has struck some 13,000 targets in Iran and set up a naval blockade against it. This strategic move gives Iran leverage in any talks with the United States to end the war. » | Peter Eavis | Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tensions Rise in Strait of Hormuz Over Ship Attacks and Iranian Threats
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they were closing the strait until the U.S. blockade is lifted. Two ships reported being hit as they tried to pass through the strait.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps on Saturday declared it was closing the Strait of Hormuz, the nation’s state media said, shortly after two Indian-flagged ships reported coming under fire while they were trying to pass through.
Just a day before, the Iranian foreign minister said it was reopened, according to state media. President Trump also said the strait was open but left in place an American blockade on ships from Iranian ports. That seemed to raise the ire of the Guards, who said Saturday the strait would remain closed until the U.S. lifted its blockade.
The back and forth added to the fear and confusion looming over a narrow waterway that has become the central focus in the effort to end the war.
On Saturday, India summoned the Iranian ambassador about what it called “a serious incident” involving two Indian-flagged ships that were fired on. TankerTrackers.com, a company that monitors oil shipments, said two Indian-flagged vessels sailing through the strait had turned around. Iran War Live Updates » | Lynsey Chutel, Euan Ward,Leily Nikounazar and Somini Sengupta | Saturday, April 19, 2026
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps on Saturday declared it was closing the Strait of Hormuz, the nation’s state media said, shortly after two Indian-flagged ships reported coming under fire while they were trying to pass through.
Just a day before, the Iranian foreign minister said it was reopened, according to state media. President Trump also said the strait was open but left in place an American blockade on ships from Iranian ports. That seemed to raise the ire of the Guards, who said Saturday the strait would remain closed until the U.S. lifted its blockade.
The back and forth added to the fear and confusion looming over a narrow waterway that has become the central focus in the effort to end the war.
On Saturday, India summoned the Iranian ambassador about what it called “a serious incident” involving two Indian-flagged ships that were fired on. TankerTrackers.com, a company that monitors oil shipments, said two Indian-flagged vessels sailing through the strait had turned around. Iran War Live Updates » | Lynsey Chutel, Euan Ward,Leily Nikounazar and Somini Sengupta | Saturday, April 19, 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Iran’s Military Says It Has Reimposed ‘Strict Control’ of Strait of Hormuz
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The military said it would keep the vital waterway under its control until the U.S. ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The statement added to the uncertainty over access to the strait.
Iran said Saturday that it had reasserted control over the Strait of Hormuz because the United States was maintaining a naval blockade, just hours after Iranian officials and President Trump had said that the critical waterway was open, raising hopes for an end to the six-week war.
The announcement added more confusion to the status of transit through the strait, where Iran had choked global energy supplies by menacing nearby ships during the war with the United States and Israel. Iran’s military, in a statement carried by government media, said it was now “under strict control” unless the United States ended its own blockade of Iranian ports.
A day earlier, Iran’s foreign minister called the strait “completely open.” At the same time, however, Iranian officials had insisted ships would still need Iranian permission and must travel an Iranian-designated route.
Nonetheless, Mr. Trump framed the Iranian announcement as a breakthrough and presented the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran as all but concluded. He immediately added, however, that the American naval blockade of Iran’s ports would remain in place until a deal was reached to end the war.
The president has often made overly optimistic claims about the war, which began in late February. Although Mr. Trump expressed confidence late Friday about the negotiations with Iran that he said would be happening over the weekend, no new face-to-face talks were announced as of Saturday morning.
Mr. Trump also claimed in a phone interview with CBS that Iran had “agreed to everything.” But Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, quickly denied Iran had agreed to any of their adversaries’ core demands.
The announcement of the strait’s reopening brought immediate relief to energy markets on Friday, sending international oil prices tumbling to around $90 a barrel.
Hopes for an end to the war were boosted by the 10-day cease-fire in Lebanon that went into effect on Friday. The deal prompted celebrations in Lebanon as thousands of displaced families made their way home, and there was heavy traffic again Saturday morning as people continued to head south.
Iran had demanded the truce with the United States extend to Lebanon as a condition for a broader deal. Mr. Trump and U.S. officials worked to make that happen, even as they denied they were trying to meet Iran’s conditions. Iran War Live Updates » | Aaron Boxerman, John Yoon, Ashley Ahn, Pranav Baskar and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad | Saturday, April 18, 2026
Iran said Saturday that it had reasserted control over the Strait of Hormuz because the United States was maintaining a naval blockade, just hours after Iranian officials and President Trump had said that the critical waterway was open, raising hopes for an end to the six-week war.
The announcement added more confusion to the status of transit through the strait, where Iran had choked global energy supplies by menacing nearby ships during the war with the United States and Israel. Iran’s military, in a statement carried by government media, said it was now “under strict control” unless the United States ended its own blockade of Iranian ports.
A day earlier, Iran’s foreign minister called the strait “completely open.” At the same time, however, Iranian officials had insisted ships would still need Iranian permission and must travel an Iranian-designated route.
Nonetheless, Mr. Trump framed the Iranian announcement as a breakthrough and presented the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran as all but concluded. He immediately added, however, that the American naval blockade of Iran’s ports would remain in place until a deal was reached to end the war.
The president has often made overly optimistic claims about the war, which began in late February. Although Mr. Trump expressed confidence late Friday about the negotiations with Iran that he said would be happening over the weekend, no new face-to-face talks were announced as of Saturday morning.
Mr. Trump also claimed in a phone interview with CBS that Iran had “agreed to everything.” But Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, quickly denied Iran had agreed to any of their adversaries’ core demands.
The announcement of the strait’s reopening brought immediate relief to energy markets on Friday, sending international oil prices tumbling to around $90 a barrel.
Hopes for an end to the war were boosted by the 10-day cease-fire in Lebanon that went into effect on Friday. The deal prompted celebrations in Lebanon as thousands of displaced families made their way home, and there was heavy traffic again Saturday morning as people continued to head south.
Iran had demanded the truce with the United States extend to Lebanon as a condition for a broader deal. Mr. Trump and U.S. officials worked to make that happen, even as they denied they were trying to meet Iran’s conditions. Iran War Live Updates » | Aaron Boxerman, John Yoon, Ashley Ahn, Pranav Baskar and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad | Saturday, April 18, 2026
Friday, April 17, 2026
Iran Says Strait of Hormuz ‘Completely Open’ to Commercial Vessels as Oil Prices Fall
THE GUARDIAN: Trump claims Tehran will also suspend nuclear programme as Lebanon truce enters first full day
Iran’s foreign minister has said that the strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels, reinforcing hopes for an eventual end to the war in the Middle East and sending oil prices tumbling despite analysts’ warnings that there will be no immediate widespread resumption of passage through the vital waterway.
In a barrage of social media posts, Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Iran had agreed never to close the strategic waterway again, hailing “A GREAT AND BRILLIANT DAY FOR THE WORLD!”
However, Abbas Araghchi’s pledge was given only qualified support by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has reinforced its already powerful authority in Tehran during the war.
Trump also said that Iran had agreed to indefinitely suspend its nuclear programme, and would not receive any frozen funds from the US. In an interview with Bloomberg, he said that talks over a deal to end the war would “probably” be held this weekend.
Separately, the US president told Reuters that Washington would work with Iran to recover its enriched uranium, which he referred to as “nuclear dust” that would be retrieved at “a nice leisurely pace” and moved to the US. Iranian authorities made no immediate comment on the claim, but Tehran has long asserted that its right to enrich uranium inside the country is sacrosanct. » | Jason Burke and William Christou in Beirut | Friday, April 17, 2026
Iran’s foreign minister has said that the strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels, reinforcing hopes for an eventual end to the war in the Middle East and sending oil prices tumbling despite analysts’ warnings that there will be no immediate widespread resumption of passage through the vital waterway.
In a barrage of social media posts, Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Iran had agreed never to close the strategic waterway again, hailing “A GREAT AND BRILLIANT DAY FOR THE WORLD!”
However, Abbas Araghchi’s pledge was given only qualified support by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has reinforced its already powerful authority in Tehran during the war.
Trump also said that Iran had agreed to indefinitely suspend its nuclear programme, and would not receive any frozen funds from the US. In an interview with Bloomberg, he said that talks over a deal to end the war would “probably” be held this weekend.
Separately, the US president told Reuters that Washington would work with Iran to recover its enriched uranium, which he referred to as “nuclear dust” that would be retrieved at “a nice leisurely pace” and moved to the US. Iranian authorities made no immediate comment on the claim, but Tehran has long asserted that its right to enrich uranium inside the country is sacrosanct. » | Jason Burke and William Christou in Beirut | Friday, April 17, 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Democracy Now! Hormuz Crisis "Only Going to Get More Horrific Before It Gets Any Better": Prof. Laleh Khalili
Apr 16, 2026 | The U.S. implemented a naval blockade on Iran earlier this week. Laleh Khalili, a professor of Gulf studies who researches the shipping and logistics industry and its impact on the global economy says it could lead the U.S. military to begin “firing on ships that it assumes are Iranian or carrying oil from Iran or other cargo to Iran.” Iran, in response, could “interpret this as a belligerent action,” ending the fragile ceasefire agreed to by both parties. “Iran is going to defend itself against this imperial imposition, and how it's going to do that remains to be seen.”
Meanwhile, explains Khalili, shipping disruptions in the Gulf have affected the supply chains of key resources including oil, aluminum, helium and fertilizer. "Transportation costs are going to be higher, so food prices are going to be higher; people's MRIs are going to be scheduled out by six months … semiconductor manufacturing is going to be affected," Khalili says. "The crisis is only going to get more horrific before it gets any better."
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
Meanwhile, explains Khalili, shipping disruptions in the Gulf have affected the supply chains of key resources including oil, aluminum, helium and fertilizer. "Transportation costs are going to be higher, so food prices are going to be higher; people's MRIs are going to be scheduled out by six months … semiconductor manufacturing is going to be affected," Khalili says. "The crisis is only going to get more horrific before it gets any better."
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
Hegseth Says U.S. Is Poised to Resume Combat if Talks Fail
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Iran’s leaders to “choose wisely” and threatened more attacks. The war’s mounting economic toll has put political pressure on President Trump to find an off-ramp.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday threatened U.S. attacks on Iran’s power plants and other energy sites if its leaders did not agree to a peace deal, less than a week before a temporary cease-fire is set to expire.
Speaking at a news conference at the Pentagon, Mr. Hegseth repeatedly urged Iran’s leaders to “choose wisely” and said an American naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue “as long as it takes.” The Trump administration has alternated between assuring Americans that a peace deal was within reach and threatening Iran’s leadership if it does not comply, as the war’s economic toll has put President Trump under increasing political pressure at home.
“If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power, and energy,” Mr. Hegseth said. Under international law, intentionally targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime.
Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the news conference that U.S. Navy forces in the Pacific could be ordered to intercept ships trying to resupply Iran, which would broaden the naval blockade beyond the Middle East.
Iran threatened on Wednesday to halt all trade in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea in response to the blockade. It was unclear how much control Iran could exert over shipping in the region. Its battered armed forces can still use mines and fast boats to harass ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Its allies in Yemen, the Houthi militia, have also shown they can attack shipping in the Red Sea. Iran War Live Updates » | Eric Schmitt, John Ismay, Elian Peltier and Aurelien Breeden | Thursday, April 16, 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday threatened U.S. attacks on Iran’s power plants and other energy sites if its leaders did not agree to a peace deal, less than a week before a temporary cease-fire is set to expire.
Speaking at a news conference at the Pentagon, Mr. Hegseth repeatedly urged Iran’s leaders to “choose wisely” and said an American naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue “as long as it takes.” The Trump administration has alternated between assuring Americans that a peace deal was within reach and threatening Iran’s leadership if it does not comply, as the war’s economic toll has put President Trump under increasing political pressure at home.
“If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power, and energy,” Mr. Hegseth said. Under international law, intentionally targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime.
Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the news conference that U.S. Navy forces in the Pacific could be ordered to intercept ships trying to resupply Iran, which would broaden the naval blockade beyond the Middle East.
Iran threatened on Wednesday to halt all trade in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea in response to the blockade. It was unclear how much control Iran could exert over shipping in the region. Its battered armed forces can still use mines and fast boats to harass ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Its allies in Yemen, the Houthi militia, have also shown they can attack shipping in the Red Sea. Iran War Live Updates » | Eric Schmitt, John Ismay, Elian Peltier and Aurelien Breeden | Thursday, April 16, 2026
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Jeffrey Sachs: Trump's Naval Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
China Calls Trump’s Hormuz Blockade ‘Dangerous and Irresponsible’
THE TELEGRAPH: China condemned the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as “dangerous and irresponsible” after Donald Trump threatened to sink any boats that defy it.
The blockade came into force on Monday after peace talks between Washington and Tehran collapsed in Pakistan, although a fragile ceasefire still holds.
“The US increased military deployments and took a targeted blockade action, which will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement and further jeopardise safety of passage through the strait,” Guo Jiakun, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters.
“This is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour,” he added. » | Iona Cleave. Chanel Zagon. Kelly-Anne Taylor | Tuesday, April 14, 2026
The blockade came into force on Monday after peace talks between Washington and Tehran collapsed in Pakistan, although a fragile ceasefire still holds.
“The US increased military deployments and took a targeted blockade action, which will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement and further jeopardise safety of passage through the strait,” Guo Jiakun, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters.
“This is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour,” he added. » | Iona Cleave. Chanel Zagon. Kelly-Anne Taylor | Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Trump’s Pope Spat Is a Serious Error with His Key Supporters | David Charter
Apr 14, 2026 | "He’s back-pedalling as fast as he can."
Trump has made a major "misstep" by picking a fight with the Pope, drawing "a lot of criticism" from people who are usually supportive, says The Times’s David Charter.
Trump has made a major "misstep" by picking a fight with the Pope, drawing "a lot of criticism" from people who are usually supportive, says The Times’s David Charter.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Trump Says Iranian Ships Will Be ‘Eliminated’ as US Naval Blockade Begins
AL JAZEERA: Iran describes the siege against its ports as the US president’s ‘revenge of choice’ against the global economy.
Iran has suggested that the United States’ blockade on Iranian ports will only hurt the interntional economy after President Donald Trump ordered a naval siege against the country.
“Can an illegal ‘war of choice’ be won through a ‘revenge of choice’ against the global economy?!” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday. “Is it ever worthwhile to cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face?!”
Trump had warned Iranian military ships from approaching the blockade zone.
“Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated – 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, ‘fast attack ships,’ because we did not consider them much of a threat,” Trump wrote in a social media post.
“Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.”
The blockade, which Trump announced on Sunday after US and Iranian negotiators failed to reach a deal after a round of talks in Pakistan, came into effect on Monday at 10am in Washington, DC (14:00 GMT). » | Al Jazeera Staff | Monday, April 13, 2026
Iran has suggested that the United States’ blockade on Iranian ports will only hurt the interntional economy after President Donald Trump ordered a naval siege against the country.
“Can an illegal ‘war of choice’ be won through a ‘revenge of choice’ against the global economy?!” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday. “Is it ever worthwhile to cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face?!”
Trump had warned Iranian military ships from approaching the blockade zone.
“Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated – 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, ‘fast attack ships,’ because we did not consider them much of a threat,” Trump wrote in a social media post.
“Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.”
The blockade, which Trump announced on Sunday after US and Iranian negotiators failed to reach a deal after a round of talks in Pakistan, came into effect on Monday at 10am in Washington, DC (14:00 GMT). » | Al Jazeera Staff | Monday, April 13, 2026
Britain Will Not Join U.S. Blockade of Strait of Hormuz, Starmer Says
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the U.K.’s diplomatic efforts are directed at keeping the vital waterway “open, not shut.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain was blunt on Monday morning. His country is “not supporting” President Trump’s threatened military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran broke down over the weekend.
The prime minister told the BBC in a radio interview that he was focused on “bringing countries together to keep the straits open, not shut,” adding that “it is, in my view, vital that we get the strait open and fully open.”
But Mr. Starmer refused to blame Mr. Trump personally for rising energy costs in Britain, saying that it was Iran that had driven up the price of oil by making the strait too dangerous for cargo ships to travel through.
After the host of the radio show pointed out repeatedly that Iran’s actions were in response to Mr. Trump’s decision to launch the war in the first place, Mr. Starmer finally said, simply: “I mean, I’m not, look, I’m not going to get involved in that.”
The interview put on display the longstanding challenge for Mr. Starmer in dealing with Mr. Trump and his chaotic foreign policy.
On the one hand, Mr. Starmer’s refusal to join the American and Israeli-led war in Iran has triggered Mr. Trump’s ire. The prime minister has said he will not give in to “pressure” from the president to drag Britain into another conflict in the Middle East.
The decision to stand up to Mr. Trump appears to be popular in Britain, where Mr. Starmer’s low poll ratings have picked up slightly. » | Michael D. Shear | Reporting from London | Monday, April 13, 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain was blunt on Monday morning. His country is “not supporting” President Trump’s threatened military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran broke down over the weekend.
The prime minister told the BBC in a radio interview that he was focused on “bringing countries together to keep the straits open, not shut,” adding that “it is, in my view, vital that we get the strait open and fully open.”
But Mr. Starmer refused to blame Mr. Trump personally for rising energy costs in Britain, saying that it was Iran that had driven up the price of oil by making the strait too dangerous for cargo ships to travel through.
After the host of the radio show pointed out repeatedly that Iran’s actions were in response to Mr. Trump’s decision to launch the war in the first place, Mr. Starmer finally said, simply: “I mean, I’m not, look, I’m not going to get involved in that.”
The interview put on display the longstanding challenge for Mr. Starmer in dealing with Mr. Trump and his chaotic foreign policy.
On the one hand, Mr. Starmer’s refusal to join the American and Israeli-led war in Iran has triggered Mr. Trump’s ire. The prime minister has said he will not give in to “pressure” from the president to drag Britain into another conflict in the Middle East.
The decision to stand up to Mr. Trump appears to be popular in Britain, where Mr. Starmer’s low poll ratings have picked up slightly. » | Michael D. Shear | Reporting from London | Monday, April 13, 2026
Trump Imposes US Blockade on Strait of Hormuz After Failed Peace Talks with Iran | BBC News
Donald Trump has said the US will blockade the strait of Hormuz, in order to take control of the key shipping lane from Iran, after the failure of peace negotiations between the two countries in Pakistan.
US Central Command announced the operation would begin on Monday morning, stating: “Centcom forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10am ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation. The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas”.
The head of Iran’s navy called the US blockade threat “ridiculous and funny”, according to state TV.
President Trump also repeated earlier threats to bomb Iran’s power plants, water treatment facilities and bridges, if Tehran does not agree to give up its nuclear weapons programme.
It follows the collapse of high-level peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan. The US vice president JD Vance, who led the US team, said Iran had refused to agree that it could never develop nuclear weapons.
Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Joe Inwood and Lyse Doucet.
US Central Command announced the operation would begin on Monday morning, stating: “Centcom forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10am ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation. The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas”.
The head of Iran’s navy called the US blockade threat “ridiculous and funny”, according to state TV.
President Trump also repeated earlier threats to bomb Iran’s power plants, water treatment facilities and bridges, if Tehran does not agree to give up its nuclear weapons programme.
It follows the collapse of high-level peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan. The US vice president JD Vance, who led the US team, said Iran had refused to agree that it could never develop nuclear weapons.
Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Joe Inwood and Lyse Doucet.
US Strait of Hormuz Blockade ‘Could Work but Won’t End War’
Apr 13, 2026 | “This thing is on a trigger edge.”
It’s “very possible” President Trump’s declaration of a US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will work but it’s “risky” and unlikely to succeed in ending the war, says Steve Erlanger, New York Times chief diplomatic correspondent in Europe.
It’s “very possible” President Trump’s declaration of a US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will work but it’s “risky” and unlikely to succeed in ending the war, says Steve Erlanger, New York Times chief diplomatic correspondent in Europe.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Trump’s Threat to Block Strait of Hormuz Faces ‘Serious Problems’ | Yassamine Mather
Apr 12, 2026 | “I don’t think the current administration listens to those who understand Iran.”
Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz could backfire by dividing allies, while Iran remains defiant, driven by national pride,and unwilling to “lose face” on nuclear enrichment, says Iran expert from the University of Oxford’s Middle East centre Yassamine Mather.
Would somebody be kind enough to explain to me why Iran should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons when Israel is allowed to have them? Why the double standard? It cannot be said that Israel can be allowed nuclear weapons because of its responsible behaviour. The genocide in Gaza proves that Israel under Netanyahu’s government is anything but responsible. So, what makes leaders like Trump think that the Iranian government would be even less responsible than the Israeli government? For truly, it seems hard for me to imagine that it is even possible for any government to behave more irresponsibly than Netanyahu and his government have in Gaza. So many innocent people have perished, among them so many innocent children, and the world has just looked away. — © Mark Alexander
Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz could backfire by dividing allies, while Iran remains defiant, driven by national pride,and unwilling to “lose face” on nuclear enrichment, says Iran expert from the University of Oxford’s Middle East centre Yassamine Mather.
Would somebody be kind enough to explain to me why Iran should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons when Israel is allowed to have them? Why the double standard? It cannot be said that Israel can be allowed nuclear weapons because of its responsible behaviour. The genocide in Gaza proves that Israel under Netanyahu’s government is anything but responsible. So, what makes leaders like Trump think that the Iranian government would be even less responsible than the Israeli government? For truly, it seems hard for me to imagine that it is even possible for any government to behave more irresponsibly than Netanyahu and his government have in Gaza. So many innocent people have perished, among them so many innocent children, and the world has just looked away. — © Mark Alexander
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)