Middle East Conflict to escalate?: Donald Trump Orders Complete Blockade of Strait of Hormuz

Washington: US President Donald Trump has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed. Trump has ordered the US Navy to immediately halt the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He declared that traffic within the Strait of Hormuz would be subjected to a complete blockade. This order from Trump comes after talks held in Islamabad between the US and Iran regarding a ceasefire agreement ended in failure. Trump also noted that, aside from the issue of Iran's nuclear program, a consensus had been reached on most other points during the Islamabad talks.

What did Donald Trump announce?

On Sunday evening, Donald Trump announced that, with immediate effect, the US Navy would begin blockading any vessels attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's statement comes at a time when there is speculation regarding Iran's intent to levy tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, this move is being viewed as a measure designed to prevent Iran from collecting fees from passing vessels.

What steps has US President Donald Trump taken?

Following the failure of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad, US President Donald Trump has taken a step that has heightened fears of a renewed, fierce conflict breaking out between the two sides. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz has now become a matter of prestige for Trump. Consequently, he has made preparations to deploy his military forces to ensure the Strait is reopened. If this course of action is pursued, a devastating war between Iran and the United States could unfold in the Hormuz region.

Has US Deployed Troops to Strait of Hormuz for First Time?

The US military has confirmed that two of its destroyer warships have transited through the critical waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first instance since the outbreak of hostilities that the United States has begun preparations to clear explosive mines—which were reportedly laid underwater by Iran—in an effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated, "We are clearing the Strait. Whether there is an agreement or not makes no difference to me." This statement was made during talks that continued until Sunday morning. However, Iran's state-run media, citing the country's Joint Military Command, has denied that the Strait of Hormuz is being reopened.

What Has Iran Said About Strait of Hormuz?

Iran has categorically declared that it will not retreat from the Strait of Hormuz under any circumstances. Iran maintains that the transit of ships belonging to any nation through the Strait of Hormuz will be permitted solely on Tehran's terms. This stance raises the specter of a major conflict erupting between Iran and the United States in the region. Until now, Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz had proven to be its most significant strategic advantage in the conflict. The primary reason for this is that more than 20 percent of the world's oil supply passes through this vital route.

Previously, more than 100 ships would traverse the Strait of Hormuz daily; however, since the ceasefire, records indicate that only 12 ships have managed to pass through so far.

What did Donald Trump announce on social media? 

On Saturday, Trump wrote on social media that the United States has initiated the process of "clearing" the strait. Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of US Central Command, later stated, "Today, we have begun the process of establishing a new safe passage, and we will soon provide details regarding this safe route to the maritime industry." The US statement further added, "In the coming days, additional US assets—including underwater drones—will join the efforts to clear mines."

Iran Warns: Ready to Deliver a Decisive Response if Attacked Again
Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has stated that Tehran is prepared to deliver a decisive response if their country is attacked again. Earlier, he had remarked that—due to attacks on Iran during the previous round of negotiations—Tehran was entering the talks with "deep mistrust," as the United States cannot be trusted. Araqchi emphasized that if another attack were to occur, his country stands ready to take retaliatory action.

Iran and the US Outlined Their Conditions
It is worth noting that prior to the negotiations, Iran had put forward a 10-point proposal, which included demands for guarantees to permanently end the conflict and to maintain its control over the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal also called for a cessation of hostilities against Iran's "regional allies" and an immediate halt to attacks by Israel against Hezbollah. The United States' 15-point proposal, conversely, focuses on imposing restrictions on Iran's nuclear program and reopening the strait.